definitions

affranchise

[ uh-fran-chahyz ]
/ əˈfræn tʃaɪz /
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR affranchise ON THESAURUS.COM

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

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

RELATED WORDS

loosen, liberate, unbind, loose, deliver, enfranchise, disencumber, release, discharge, manumit, unchain, disenthral, unfetter, unshackle

Nearby words

afford, affordable, affordable care act, afforest, afforestation, affranchise, affray, affrayer, affreight, affreightment, affricate

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

Related forms

af·fran·chise·ment, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for affranchise

affranchise

/ (əˈfræntʃaɪz) /

verb

(tr) to release from servitude or an obligation

Derived Forms

affranchisement, noun

Word Origin for affranchise

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