affranchise

[ uh-fran-chahyz ]
/ əˈfræn tʃaɪz /

verb (used with object), af·fran·chised, af·fran·chis·ing.

to free from a state of dependence, servitude, or obligation.

Origin of affranchise

1450–1500; late Middle English < Middle French afranchiss-, long stem of afranchir, verbal derivative, with a- a-5, of franc free; see frank1

OTHER WORDS FROM affranchise

af·fran·chise·ment, noun

British Dictionary definitions for affranchise

affranchise
/ (əˈfræntʃaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to release from servitude or an obligation

Derived forms of affranchise

affranchisement, noun

Word Origin for affranchise

C15: from Old French afranchiss-, a stem of afranchir, from franchir to free; see frank