liberation

noun

lib·​er·​a·​tion ˌli-bə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act of liberating : the state of being liberated

2

: a movement seeking equal rights and status for a group

women's liberation

liberationist

ˌli-bə-ˈrā-sh(ə-)nist 

noun

Synonyms of liberation

• emancipation

Examples of liberation in a Sentence

The liberation of the city took weeks.

the liberation of the slaves was one of the key results of the Civil War

Recent Examples on the Web

When religion is made to serve the work of empire rather than the work of liberation, something has gone grievously wrong. — Otis Moss Iii, Chicago Tribune, 28 June 2026

The Aquamarine Ring A symbol of Diana’s liberation, this aquamarine ring was commissioned from Asprey. — Hadley Hall Meares, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026

The reference is more a state of being and a message of liberation — these are all aesthetics that connote women at their wildest and most free. — Chelsey Sanchez, CNN Money, 25 June 2026

Councilmember Eric Guerra, one of 300,000 people in the Sacramento region of Michoacán descent, spoke about the city’s history of independence and liberation. — Jennah Pendleton, Sacbee.com, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English liberacion "deliverance," borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "action of freeing," borrowed from Latin līberātiōn-, līberātiō "setting free, release, acquittal," from līberāre "to give free status to (a slave), release" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at liberate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing liberation

• liberation theology

Rhymes for liberation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

liberation

noun

lib·​er·​a·​tion ˌlib-ə-ˈrā-shən 

1

: the act of liberating : the state of being liberated

2

: a movement seeking equal rights for a group