WordGarden.ioliberation
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /lˌɪbərˈeɪʃən/
US
- /ˌlɪˌbɜrˈeɪʃən/
Meanings
Noun
the freeing of a person, group, or place from oppression, captivity, or enemy control
a movement or campaign for greater social equality and personal freedom
a feeling or process of becoming free from mental, emotional, or social constraint
More meaningsFewer meanings
the release of a substance, gas, or energy from a source or compound
Beyond the definition
Liberation isn't just about being free - it's the act of becoming free, often from control, pressure, or unfair treatment. Think of a bird released from a cage, or a country breaking free from colonial rule. It suggests a powerful change, a return to choice and independence. You might feel personal liberation when you finally break a bad habit, or see it in history in events like the end of slavery.
Liberation can be physical - escaping captivity - but it can also be emotional or intellectual. A writer finding their own voice could describe it as a kind of liberation. It's more than just the end of something; it's the start of new possibility. It often carries a feeling of strength, relief, and new hope.
Liberation refers to the act of being set free from oppression, confinement, or control. It's a powerful concept that extends far beyond simple physical freedom; it includes emotional, intellectual, and spiritual release as well. For example, the Liberation of Paris during World War II marked not just the end of Nazi occupation but also a return of hope and self-government for the French people.
Historically, liberation is often associated with movements fighting against injustice – the women's suffrage movement sought liberation from patriarchal constraints, while the civil rights movement fought for liberation from racial segregation. These struggles aren't merely about removing barriers; they are about empowering individuals to live authentically and pursue their full potential.
However, liberation isn't always grand or historical. It can be deeply personal. Emotional liberation might involve breaking free from toxic relationships or overcoming limiting beliefs. Intellectual liberation could mean challenging conventional wisdom and forming your own informed opinions. A character in a novel might experience liberation through self-discovery, realizing their true identity and purpose.
The word carries a weight of struggle and triumph. It suggests a journey – often difficult – towards autonomy and the ability to live life on one's own terms. To speak of liberation is to acknowledge past constraints while celebrating the potential for a more just and fulfilling future.
Examples
- 1
Public celebration
People filled the streets to celebrate the city's liberation.
- 2
History
The museum has a room about the liberation of Paris in 1944.
- 3
Workers' rights
For many workers, the new law felt like liberation from years of unfair rules.
- 4
Personal freedom
Leaving the job brought her a surprising sense of liberation.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Social movement
The book is often discussed as part of the women's liberation movement.
- Phrasewomen's liberation movement
the movement for equal rights and freedom for women
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- national liberation
- women's liberation
- liberation movement
- liberation from oppression
Word family
Explore
- civil rights
- self-determination
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- liberationnoun
Forms
- liberationspluralnoun