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

• emancipation
• enfranchisement
• freeing
• manumission

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

His myopia was at least as deleterious to the liberation of the unconscious mind as his charisma were beneficial. —Jonathon Keats, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Does liberation always have to come in pendulum swings, rather than as a less reactive, more thoughtful widening of one’s embrace? —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 28 Apr. 2025

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, the largest and deadliest Nazi concentration camp, ending a horrific chapter in human history. —Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2025

In this Jubilee year, may Easter also be a fitting occasion for the liberation of prisoners of war and political prisoners! —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

Word History

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