Synonyms

liberate

American

[lib-uh-reyt] / ˈlɪb əˌreɪt /

verb (used with object)

to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage.

Synonyms:

loose, disenthrall, unfetter, deliver

Antonyms:

enthrall, imprison
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.

liberate British

/ ˈlɪbəˌreɪt /

verb

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 to steal

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Synonym Usage

See release.

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of liberate

First recorded in 1615–25; from Latin līberātus (past participle of līberāre “to free”), equivalent to līberā- verb stem + -tus past participle suffix. See liberal, -ate ¹

Explanation

To liberate something means to release it from confinement. As the saying goes, "If you love something, set it free," — liberate it. Liberate is a powerful verb he verb that has been an important part of the history of the United States. In the Revolutionary War we fought to liberate ourselves from Great Britain, and the Civil War was fought in part to liberate the Southern slaves. As recently as the 1920's, women sought to be liberated from second-class citizen status. Even today, there are rebel groups in foreign countries striving to liberate their people who are denied freedom by their governments.

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Appeared in the March 10, 2026, print edition as 'Homilies Won’t Liberate Iran'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 9, 2026

Meanwhile, Bronson Canyon in Griffith Park has hosted performances by the local psychedelic, classical Indian-inspired collective Liberate Elemental Forces as well as the experimental duo Lucky Dragons.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 29, 2022

At the turn of the century, he joined interactive TV start-up Liberate Technologies, where he worked as chief strategy officer.

From Washington Post • Sep. 28, 2021

Tong Ying-kit, whose flag bore the phrase "Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times", was earlier found guilty of inciting secession and terrorism.

From BBC • Jul. 30, 2021

"Liberate me!" cried Mabel; "liberate your other prisoner and we will pray for your release."

From Windsor Castle by Ainsworth, William Harrison

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023