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Definition of emancipate

emancipate

/ɪˈmæn.sɪ.peɪt/
e · man · ci · pate
Adjective:emancipatory
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Past Simple:emancipated
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Past Participle:emancipated
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Present Participle:emancipating
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emancipate Lexical Profile

emancipate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To set free from legal, social, or political restrictions; to liberate from slavery, servitude, or oppression.

Example

"Early suffrage movements campaigned tirelessly to emancipate women from legal and political disenfranchisement."

2

To release a minor from parental authority and legal guardianship before reaching the age of majority (in law).

Example

"The family court judge agreed to emancipate the seventeen-year-old actor so he could sign contracts and manage his own finances."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

emailable
emailer
emanate
emancipate
emancipation
emancipator
emasculate

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin emancipatus, the past participle of emancipare ('to declare free' or 'to transfer out of paternal authority'), composed of ex- ('out') and mancipare ('to transfer ownership'), from manus ('hand') and capere ('to take').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Emancipate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/emancipate
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