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Manumission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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manumission

man-u-mis-sion

🇺🇸 /ˌmɑnuˈmɪʃən/ · 🇬🇧 /mˌænjuːmˈɪʃən/

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

Manumission refers to the act of a slave owner freeing their slaves. This legal process has significant historical importance, particularly in discussions about slavery and human rights. Manumission can occur through formal documents or agreements, and the reasons for it can vary from benevolent intentions to social or economic factors. The practice of manumission has been documented in various cultures throughout history, illustrating different attitudes towards slavery.

Synonyms

emancipation, liberation, release.

Examples of usage

  • The manumission of slaves was a critical step towards equality.
  • She documented the process of manumission in her research.
  • His manumission was celebrated by the local community.
  • The law provided pathways for the manumission of bonded laborers.

Translations

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Quick facts about “manumission”

Manumission is a 4-syllable noun (man-u-mis-sion). It is pronounced /ˌmɑnuˈmɪʃən/ in American English and /mˌænjuːmˈɪʃən/ in British English. On finesentence.com it has 1 meaning, 3 synonyms, and translations into 21 languages. It ranks #28,487 among the most common English words.

Origin of 'manumission'

The term 'manumission' originates from the Latin 'manumissio', which combines 'manu' meaning 'hand' and 'missio' meaning 'release' or 'sending away'. This reflects the physical act of releasing a person from bondage or servitude. The practice of manumission has existed in various ancient civilizations, including Roman society, where it was often performed as a means for slave owners to demonstrate their generosity or as a reward for faithful service. Over time, as societal views towards slavery evolved, manumission became a key topic in discussions around civil rights and humanitarianism, especially during movements aimed at abolishing slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries. The significance of manumission endures in contemporary discourse, as it represents not only a legal act but also a moral choice that highlights the complex dynamics of freedom, power, and recognition of individual rights.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,487, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.