Main Entry: eman·ci·pate

Pronunciation: \i-ˈman(t)-sə-ˌpāt\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): eman·ci·pat·ed; eman·ci·pat·ing

Etymology: Latin emancipatus, past participle of emancipare, from e- + mancipare to transfer ownership of, from mancip-, manceps contractor, from manus hand + capere to take — more at manual, heave

Date: 1613

1 : to free from restraint, control, or the power of another; especially : to free from bondage
2 : to release from paternal care and responsibility and make sui juris
3 : to free from any controlling influence (as traditional mores or beliefs)

synonyms see free

— eman·ci·pa·tor \-ˌpā-tər\ noun

— eman·ci·pa·tory \-pə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective