Free — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

not being under the rule or control of another

"the 20th century saw many African countries become free after many years of European rule"

no longer burdened with something unpleasant or painful

"after our son arrived home safely, we were grateful to be free from worry"

not bound, confined, or detained by force

"all of the animals in the game preserve are free to roam all over its vast area"

not costing or charging anything

"although the museum normally charges admission, on Wednesdays it is free to all"

allowing passage without obstruction

"make sure the pass is free before you attempt the trip through the mountains this winter"

giving or sharing in abundance and without hesitation

"the lottery winner was very free with his money"

not being in a state of use, activity, or employment

"this computer terminal is free if you need to use it"

showing a lack of proper social reserve or modesty

"she's a little too free with information about her social life"

not physically attached to another unit

"an arrangement of free columns adds interest to the Greco-Roman sculpture garden"

to set free (as from slavery or confinement)

"a global crusade to free Nelson Mandela from a South African prison had emerged"

to make passage through (something) possible by removing obstructions

"we'll free the river by breaking up the ice jam"

to rid the surface of (as an area) from things in the way

"would you mind freeing up the work area so I can work?"

to set (a person or thing) free of something that encumbers

"a phone call would free your parents from worry"

to set free from entanglement or difficulty

"this plan should free us from debt"