to set free, as from imprisonment or bondage.

to free (a nation or area) from control by a foreign or oppressive government.

to free (a group or individual) from social or economic constraints or discrimination, esp. arising from traditional role expectations or bias.

to disengage; set free from combination, as a gas.

Slang . to steal or take over illegally

The soldiers liberated a consignment of cigarettes.

verb

hold back , limit , prevent , restrain

verb

bail one out , deliver , detach , discharge , disembarrass , emancipate , free , free up , get out from under , let loose , let out * , loose , loosen , manumit , redeem , release , rescue , save , save one’s neck , set free , unbind , unchain , unhook , unshackle , acquit , clear , unfetter