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

Overcoming the decades-long generational belief that certain colors, prints, and fabrics are reserved for specific seasons and occasions—or worse, outright forbidden—has been one of today's greatest stylistic triumphs; if only for the sheer liberation of finally letting go of what others think. —Lucía Tejo, Glamour, 26 Apr. 2026

The denomination emphasizes African Americans' dignity and liberation, Stahl said. —Brieanna J. Frank, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2026

On Israel’s Independence Day on Wednesday, as Israelis mark 78 years since the founding of our state, a word that once expressed hope and liberation has become, for many, a source of confusion and division. —Elad Strohmayer, Chicago Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

An antebellum schoolbook that became an instrument of Black liberation. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 21 Apr. 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