Emancipating: meaning, definitions and examples

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emancipating

 

[ɪˈmænsɪˌpeɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

social

To set free, especially from legal, social, or political restrictions. To release from bondage, oppression, or restraint.

Synonyms

free, liberate, release.

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Word Description / Examples
emancipating

Typically used in formal contexts, often relating to freeing someone from legal, social, or political restrictions. It carries a sense of a significant and impactful change.

  • The movement was dedicated to emancipating women from oppressive norms.
  • The new policy aims at emancipating marginalized communities.
liberate

Often used in contexts related to war, oppression, or prisoners. It has a strong, dramatic connotation and signifies a substantial effort to gain freedom.

  • The soldiers were determined to liberate the occupied territory.
  • Activists rallied to liberate the political prisoners.
free

A very general term that can be used in various contexts to indicate the removal of constraints or restrictions. It's applicable in daily conversations and informal settings.

  • They worked hard to free the trapped animals.
  • He felt free after quitting his stressful job.
release

Commonly used in situations involving the official allowing of someone or something to be free, such as in legal or controlled environments. It can also imply letting go of emotions or stress.

  • The judge decided to release the suspect on bail.
  • She released a sigh of relief after hearing the good news.

Examples of usage

  • He dedicated his life to emancipating the oppressed people in his country.
  • The abolitionists fought tirelessly to emancipate the slaves and end the practice of slavery.
Context #2 | Verb

personal

To free someone from someone else's control or power. To give someone more freedom or rights.

Synonyms

empower, liberate, release.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
emancipating

Use it when referring to the act of freeing someone from legal, social, or political restrictions. This word is often used in historical or social contexts, such as the emancipation of slaves.

  • The government passed laws emancipating all slaves.
  • The women's movement focused on emancipating women from traditional roles.
empower

This word is appropriate for situations where someone is given the authority or power to do something. It often has a positive connotation related to personal growth and confidence.

  • Good leaders empower their team members to succeed.
  • The program aims to empower young people with the skills they need for the future.
liberate

This term is used when someone or something is freed from confinement or oppression, often in a physical or political sense. It can also refer to freeing oneself from internal constraints.

  • The army's mission was to liberate the occupied city.
  • She felt liberated after quitting her stressful job.
release

This word is suitable for situations where someone or something is set free from confinement, restraint, or suffering. It is often used in the context of prisons, emotions, or information.

  • The prisoners were released after serving their sentences.
  • He felt a sense of relief after releasing his pent-up emotions.

Examples of usage

  • She felt like she was finally emancipating herself from her toxic relationship.
  • The new law aimed at emancipating women and granting them equal rights.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term is rooted in the Latin word 'emancipare,' which means 'to free from control.'
  • Emancipation has been a major theme in history, notably during the American Civil War when President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation freed enslaved people in the Confederate states.

Legal Context

  • In law, emancipation refers to a minor gaining independence from their parents or guardians, allowing them to make their own decisions.
  • Various countries have different requirements for emancipation, often involving court approval and proof of self-sufficiency.

Cultural Significance

  • Throughout history, movements for emancipation have played crucial roles in advocating for civil rights and social justice across the globe.
  • Emancipation is often celebrated in literature and art, symbolizing hope and the struggle for freedom.

Psychology

  • Emancipation is linked to personal empowerment, as individuals who feel free often exhibit higher self-esteem and motivation.
  • The psychological impact of being emancipated can include greater personal responsibility and growth.

Literature

  • Famous works, like 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' by Mark Twain, touch on themes of emancipation, exploring freedom from societal norms.
  • Emancipation is a common motif in stories of personal transformation where characters seek liberation from oppressive circumstances.

Translations

Translations of the word "emancipating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 emancipando

🇮🇳 स्वतंत्र करना

🇩🇪 emanzipierend

🇮🇩 membebaskan

🇺🇦 емансипація

🇵🇱 emancypujący

🇯🇵 解放する

🇫🇷 émancipant

🇪🇸 emancipando

🇹🇷 özgürleştirme

🇰🇷 해방하는

🇸🇦 تحرير

🇨🇿 osvobozující

🇸🇰 oslobodzujúci

🇨🇳 解放

🇸🇮 osvobajajoč

🇮🇸 frelsandi

🇰🇿 азат ету

🇬🇪 გათავისუფლება

🇦🇿 azad edən

🇲🇽 emancipando

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,129 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.