liberate

[ lib-uh-reyt ]
/ ˈlɪb əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object), lib·er·at·ed, lib·er·at·ing.

to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage.
to free (a nation or area) from control by a foreign or oppressive government.
to free (a group or individual) from social or economic constraints or discrimination, especially arising from traditional role expectations or bias.
to disengage; set free from combination, as a gas.
Slang. to steal or take over illegally: The soldiers liberated a consignment of cigarettes.

Origin of liberate

1615–25; < Latin līberātus (past participle of līberāre to free), equivalent to līberā- verb stem + -tus past participle suffix. See liberal, -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM liberate

Example sentences from the Web for liberate

British Dictionary definitions for liberate

liberate
/ (ˈlɪbəˌreɪt) /

verb (tr)

to give liberty to; make free
to release (something, esp a gas) from chemical combination during a chemical reaction
to release from occupation or subjugation by a foreign power
to free from social prejudices or injustices
euphemistic, or facetious to steal

Derived forms of liberate

liberator, noun