# liberate

/ˈɫɪˌbɝˌeɪt/ (US) · /lˈɪbəɹˌeɪt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/liberate
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to set someone or something free from a situation that limits them. You can use it for people, countries, or even ideas.

For teachers: to set free from imprisonment, slavery, or enemy occupation; to release from social or legal constraints. Often implies a transition to a state of autonomy.

## Examples

- The soldiers arrived to liberate the city from the invaders.
- The new law aims to liberate small businesses from excessive government paperwork and high taxes.
- While the movement sought to liberate the workforce from manual drudgery through automation, many employees feared that these technological advances would lead to widespread job displacement.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and takes a direct object. In humorous or colloquial contexts, it can mean to steal or 'borrow' something without permission.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.