Liberate
To set someone free from imprisonment, confinement, or oppression; to release from bondage or restraint.
verbLiberate
To set someone free from imprisonment, confinement, or oppression; to release from bondage or restraint.
verbImagine This
Imagine a prisoner standing before a heavy door as a gate creaks open, guards remove the shackles, and sunlight pours in while the crowd cheers in triumph.
Sounds Like
LIB-uh-rate
Looks Like
Looks like liberty or liberation; both share the same root meaning free.
Remember This
The root liber- means free; liberate is closely related to liberty and liberation.
Other Forms
Connect With
freedom, emancipation, release, unshackle, liberty
Note
Use liberate for freeing someone or something from confinement or oppression. Noun forms include liberation; related adjectives include liberated and liberating.
Study Deeper
- The rebels fought to liberate their homeland from foreign occupation.
- The army moved in to liberate the hostages held by the insurgents.
From Latin liberare 'to set free', from liber 'free'.
Mnemonic: LIBERATE = LIBER + ATE. Picture a liberator flipping a switch labeled 'FREE' and the heavy door swings open, releasing the prisoners. The root liber- means free, and the action 'ate' reminds you that you are causing freedom.
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adjectiveRelating to or causing a radical, transformative change; introducing innovations that drastically alter a field or practice.
Pragmatic
adjectiveDealing with things in a practical, realistic way rather than theoretical considerations; focusing on workable solutions.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.