enjoying personal rights or liberty, as a person who is not in slavery

a land of free people.

pertaining to or reserved for those who enjoy personal liberty

They were thankful to be living on free soil.

existing under, characterized by, or possessing civil and political liberties that are, as a rule, constitutionally guaranteed by representative government

the free nations of the world.

enjoying political autonomy, as a people or country not under foreign rule; independent.

exempt from external authority, interference, restriction, etc., as a person or one's will, thought, choice, action, etc.; independent; unrestricted.

able to do something at will; at liberty

free to choose.

clear of obstructions or obstacles, as a road or corridor

The highway is now free of fallen rock.

not occupied or in use

I'll try to phone her again if the line is free.

exempt or released from something specified that controls, restrains, burdens, etc. (usually fol. by from or of )

free from worry; free of taxes.

having immunity or being safe (usually fol. by from )

free from danger.

provided without, or not subject to, a charge or payment

free parking; a free sample.

given without consideration of a return or reward

a free offer of legal advice.

unimpeded, as motion or movement; easy, firm, or swift.

not held fast; loose; unattached

to get one's arm free.

not joined to or in contact with something else

The free end of the cantilever sagged.

acting without self-restraint or reserve

to be too free with one's tongue.

ready or generous in giving; liberal; lavish

to be free with one's advice.

given readily or in profusion; unstinted.

frank and open; unconstrained, unceremonious, or familiar.

unrestrained by decency; loose or licentious

free behavior.

not subject to special regulations, restrictions, duties, etc.

The ship was given free passage.

of, pertaining to, or characterized by free enterprise

a free economy.

that may be used by or is open to all

a free market.

engaged in by all present; general

a free fight.

not literal, as a translation, adaptation, or the like; loose.

uncombined chemically

free oxygen.

traveling without power; under no force except that of gravity or inertia

free flight.

Phonetics . (of a vowel) situated in an open syllable ( opposed to checked ).

at liberty to enter and enjoy at will (usually fol. by of )

to be free of a friend's house.

not subject to rules, set forms, etc.

The young students had an hour of free play between classes.

easily worked, as stone, land, etc.

Mathematics . (of a vector) having specified magnitude and direction but no specified initial point. Compare bound 1 ( def. 9 ) .

Also, large. Nautical . (of a wind) nearly on the quarter, so that a sailing vessel may sail free.

not containing a specified substance (often used in combination)

a sugar-free soft drink.

(of a linguistic form) occurring as an independent construction, without necessary combination with other forms, as most words. Compare bound 1 ( def. 11 ) .

without cost, payment, or charge.

in a free manner; freely.

Nautical . away from the wind, so that a sailing vessel need not be close-hauled

running free.

to make free; set at liberty; release from bondage, imprisonment, or restraint.

to exempt or deliver (usually fol. by from ).

to relieve or rid (usually fol. by of )

to free oneself of responsibility.

to disengage; clear (usually fol. by from or of ). ?

free up,

to release, as from restrictions

Congress voted to free up funds for the new highway system.

to disentangle

It took an hour to free up the traffic jam.

for free

Informal . without charge

The tailor mended my jacket for free.

free and clear, Law . without any encumbrance

as a lien or mortgage

They owned their house free and clear.

free and easy

unrestrained; casual; informal.

excessively or inappropriately casual; presumptuous.

make free with

to use as one's own; help oneself to

If you make free with their liquor, you won't be invited again.

to treat with too much familiarity; take liberties with.

set free

to release; liberate; free

The prisoners were set free.

with a free hand

generously; freely; openhandedly

He entertains visitors with a free hand.

adjective

released , discharged , free