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

The liberation — by Trump’s way of thinking of the U.S. economy — included a new 20 percent tariff on goods from the European Union, a 34 percent tariff on China and a 46 percent levy on Vietnam, all on top of existing duties. —Evan Clark, Footwear News, 3 Apr. 2025

Dozens of other countries recognize their own form of liberation days to recognize events such as overcoming Nazi Germany or the end of a previous political regime deemed oppressive. —Josh Boak, Twin Cities, 31 Mar. 2025

Couldn’t be me; there’s liberation in being made small by indifferent expanses. —Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 28 Mar. 2025

And shipping conglomerates are unlikely to return routes to the Red Sea until U.S. liberation of the thoroughfare proves permanent and complete. —Tiana Lowe Doescher, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 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