free

free

verb

Definition of FREE

1

to set free (as from slavery or confinement) <a global crusade to free Nelson Mandela from a South African prison had emerged>

Synonyms discharge, disenthrall (also disenthral), emancipate, enfranchise, enlarge, liberate, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter

Related Words bail (out), deliver, parole, ransom, redeem, rescue, save; adrift, disembarrass, disencumber, disengage, disentangle, extricate; unshackle

Phrases turn loose

Near Antonyms handcuff, manacle, shackle, trammel; commit, immure, imprison, incarcerate, intern, jail, lock (up); conquer, enslave, subdue, subjugate

Antonyms bind, confine, enchain, fetter, restrain

2

to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions <we'll free the river by breaking up the ice jam>

Synonyms clear, free, unclog, unplug, unstop

Related Words ease, facilitate, loosen (up), smooth

Near Antonyms constrict, encumber, hamper, hinder, impede, interfere (with), obstruct, trammel; barricade, blockade

Antonyms block, clog (up), close, dam (up), plug (up), stop

3

to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way <would you mind freeing up the work area so I can work?>

Synonyms free, open, unblock

Related Words ease, facilitate, loosen (up), smooth, unchoke, unclog, unplug, unstop; unclutter; strip

Near Antonyms clog, close, dam, obstruct, plug, stop; clutter (up)

Antonyms block

4

to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers <a phone call would free your parents from worry>

Synonyms clear, disburden, disencumber, divest, free, relieve, unburden

Related Words discharge, emancipate, enfranchise, liberate, loose, loosen, manumit, release, spring, unbind, uncage, unchain, unfetter; bail (out), deliver, redeem, rescue; disengage, disentangle, extricate

Near Antonyms bog (down), fetter, hamper, restrain, shackle, subject, weigh down, weight (down)

Antonyms burden, encumber, saddle

5

to set free from entanglement or difficulty <this plan should free us from debt>

Synonyms clear, disembarrass, disengage, disentangle, free, liberate, release, untangle

Related Words deliver, redeem, rescue, save; disburden, disencumber, unburden; unravel, unsnarl, untie, untwine

Near Antonyms block, hamper, hinder, impede, obstruct; burden, encumber, load, weigh

Antonyms embroil, entangle