Definition of: emancipate

(i·man′sə·pāt) v.t. ·pat·ed, ·pat·ing
1. To release from bondage or slavery, or any physical or spiritual oppression or authority; liberate; set free.
2. In Roman law, to free (a child) from its father's control. [<L emancipatus, pp. of emancipare <ex- out + manus hand + capere taken]
—e·man′ci·pa·to′ry (-pə·tôr′ē, -tō′rē) adjective
—e·man′ci·pa′tive adjective
—e·man′ci·pa′tor noun