Emancipation Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˌemdənseɪˈpʃən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

The act of freeing or state of being free from slavery, oppression, or constraint; the state of being liberated from some kind of restraint, especially political or social oppression.

Examples

• The abolitionist movement sought to bring about the emancipation of slaves.
• The country’s leaders worked to achieve economic emancipation through free trade.

Synonyms

• Freedom
• Liberation
• Release

Antonyms

• Captivity
• Servitude

Etymology

The word ‘Emancipation’ comes from the Latin ’emancipare’, meaning “to set free” or “to release from slavery”, which is derived from ’emanare’, meaning “to come out” or “to spring forth”.

Additional Information

Emancipation is a crucial concept in human rights and social justice, as it acknowledges the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. Throughout history, various movements and leaders have fought for emancipation from various forms of oppression, such as slavery, colonialism, and sexism. Emancipation is not only a legal concept but also a moral and philosophical one, emphasizing the importance of freedom, equality, and human dignity.

Usage Notes

When using the term ‘Emancipation’, it’s essential to acknowledge the historical context and the struggles of those who fought for freedom and liberation. Avoid using the term in a way that trivializes or romanticizes the experience of those who were enslaved or oppressed.

Cultural References

‘Emancipation’ is referenced in various cultural works, such as Harriet Beecher Stowe’s novel ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’, which chronicled the life of a slave who fought for his freedom, and Spike Lee’s film ‘Bamboozled’, which critiques the exploitation of African American culture for commercial gain.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

‘Emancipate oneself’ is an idiomatic phrase that means to free oneself from something, such as a oppressive system or a limiting mindset.

Related Words or Phrases

• Liberation
• Freedom
• Independence

Collocations

• Emancipation proclamation
• Emancipation movement
• Emancipation from slavery

Frequency of Use

‘Emancipation’ is used relatively infrequently in modern language, but it is still an important concept in human rights and social justice discourse.

Common Misspellings

• Eminsipation
• Emacipation
• Emancipatin