Liberate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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liberate

[หˆlษชbษ™reษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

freedom

To liberate means to set someone or something free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression. It can also refer to freeing a place or group of people from enemy occupation.

Synonyms

emancipate, free, release.

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Word Description / Examples
liberate

Generally used in a political or military context where a group or place is freed from control or oppression.

  • The troops were sent to liberate the occupied city.
  • The revolution aimed to liberate the people from the tyrannical regime.
free

A more general term that can be used in various contexts including personal, social, and political situations.

  • He decided to free the birds from their cages.
  • The campaign seeks to free all prisoners of conscience.
release

Often used in the context of allowing someone or something to go after being confined or restrained. Can also be used in media and technology contexts.

  • The authorities agreed to release the political prisoners.
  • The company is set to release the new software next month.
emancipate

Typically used in a legal or social context to describe freeing someone from social, legal, or political restrictions.

  • The law was passed to emancipate the slaves.
  • She fought tirelessly to emancipate women from societal norms.

Examples of usage

  • The soldiers fought to liberate the city from enemy control.
  • The activists worked tirelessly to liberate the captive animals from the cruel conditions.
Context #2 | Verb

expression

To liberate can also mean to release someone or something from a state of inhibition or constraint, allowing them to express themselves freely.

Synonyms

free, release, unshackle.

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Word Description / Examples
liberate

Use when talking about freeing someone or something from oppression or confinement, often used in political or social contexts.

  • The army was able to liberate the town from the invaders
  • The activists worked to liberate the community from unjust practices
free

General term to describe the act of making someone or something free, used in both literal and figurative senses.

  • They decided to free the birds from their cages
  • She felt it was time to free herself from the past
release

Often used when talking about letting something go, such as releasing a prisoner, emotions, or a physical object into the environment.

  • The prisoner was released after serving his sentence
  • The company will release its new product next month
unshackle

Has a stronger emphasis on removing physical or metaphorical chains or restrictions, generally used in more dramatic or emotional contexts.

  • The hero's mission was to unshackle the slaves from their captors
  • She felt unshackled from the burdens of her past after the therapy

Examples of usage

  • Music has the power to liberate the soul and evoke powerful emotions.
  • She felt liberated after finally speaking her mind and sharing her true feelings.

Translations

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Origin of 'liberate'

The word 'liberate' originates from the Latin word 'liberatus', which is the past participle of 'liberare', meaning 'to set free' or 'to liberate'. The concept of liberation has been a powerful force throughout history, with movements and individuals striving for freedom and emancipation from various forms of oppression and tyranny. The idea of liberation is deeply intertwined with the principles of justice, equality, and human rights.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,676, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.