liberation

1 of 2

noun (1)

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

liberationist

2 of 2

noun (2)

lib·​er·​a·​tion·​ist -sh(ə)nə̇st 

plural -s

: one that favors or advocates liberationism

Synonyms of liberation

Noun (1)

• emancipation

Examples of liberation in a Sentence

Noun (1)

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

Noun

Chino was involved in the squatters’ rights campaign and the Puerto Rican liberation movement from a young age. — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 30 July 2026

The string of beaches where the Allies landed on June 6, 1944, during World War II, are notable for marking the beginning of Europe’s liberation from Nazi occupation. — Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 28 July 2026

Black liberation, no matter how distinct in its language, history, and practice, cannot be absent from any discussion of historical quiescence. — Literary Hub, 27 July 2026

There’s grief in that sentiment, but a grotesque kind of liberation too. — Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 27 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (1)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1845, in the meaning defined above

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