"free" Definition

Definitions for the word "free" from multiple English dictionaries.

1. superl.
Exempt from subjection to the will of others; not under restraint, control, or compulsion; able to follow one's own impulses, desires, or inclinations; determining one's own course of action; not dependent; at liberty.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. superl.
Not under an arbitrary or despotic government; subject only to fixed laws regularly and fairly administered, and defended by them from encroachments upon natural or acquired rights; enjoying political liberty.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. superl.
Liberated, by arriving at a certain age, from the control of parents, guardian, or master.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. superl.
Not confined or imprisoned; released from arrest; liberated; at liberty to go.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. superl.
Not subjected to the laws of physical necessity; capable of voluntary activity; endowed with moral liberty; -- said of the will.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. superl.
Clear of offense or crime; guiltless; innocent.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. superl.
Unconstrained by timidity or distrust; unreserved; ingenuous; frank; familiar; communicative.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. superl.
Unrestrained; immoderate; lavish; licentious; -- used in a bad sense.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. superl.
Not close or parsimonious; liberal; open-handed; lavish; as, free with his money.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. superl.
Exempt; clear; released; liberated; not encumbered or troubled with; as, free from pain; free from a burden; -- followed by from, or, rarely, by of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. superl.
Characteristic of one acting without restraint; charming; easy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. superl.
Ready; eager; acting without spurring or whipping; spirited; as, a free horse.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. superl.
Invested with a particular freedom or franchise; enjoying certain immunities or privileges; admitted to special rights; -- followed by of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. superl.
Thrown open, or made accessible, to all; to be enjoyed without limitations; unrestricted; not obstructed, engrossed, or appropriated; open; -- said of a thing to be possessed or enjoyed; as, a free school.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. superl.
Not gained by importunity or purchase; gratuitous; spontaneous; as, free admission; a free gift.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
16. superl.
Not arbitrary or despotic; assuring liberty; defending individual rights against encroachment by any person or class; instituted by a free people; -- said of a government, institutions, etc.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
17. superl.
Certain or honorable; the opposite of base; as, free service; free socage.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
18. superl.
Privileged or individual; the opposite of common; as, a free fishery; a free warren.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
19. superl.
Not united or combined with anything else; separated; dissevered; unattached; at liberty to escape; as, free carbonic acid gas; free cells.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
20. adv.
Freely; willingly.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
21. adv.
Without charge; as, children admitted free.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
22. a.
To make free; to set at liberty; to rid of that which confines, limits, embarrasses, oppresses, etc.; to release; to disengage; to clear; -- followed by from, and sometimes by off; as, to free a captive or a slave; to be freed of these inconveniences.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
23. a.
To remove, as something that confines or bars; to relieve from the constraint of.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
24. a.
To frank.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
25. adj.
(freer; freest) 1 not a slave or under another''s control; having personal rights and social and political liberty. 2 (of a state, its citizens, etc.) Autonomous; democratic. 3 a unrestricted; not confined or fixed. B not imprisoned. C released from duties etc. D independent (free agent). 4 (foll. By of, from) a exempt from (tax etc.). B not containing or subject to (free of preservatives; free from disease). 5 (foll. By to + infin.) Permitted; at liberty to. 6 costing nothing. 7 a clear of duties etc. (am free tomorrow). B not in use (bathroom is free). 8 spontaneous, unforced (free offer). 9 available to all. 10 lavish (free with their money). 11 frank, unreserved. 12 (of literary style) informal, unmetrical. 13 (of translation) not literal. 14 familiar, impudent. 15 (of stories etc.) Slightly indecent. 16 chem. Not combined (free oxygen). 17 (of power or energy) disengaged, available. adv. 1 freely. 2 without cost or payment. v. (frees, freed) 1 make free; liberate. 2 (foll. By of, from) relieve from. 3 disentangle, clear. for free colloq. Free of charge, gratis. Free on board (or rail) without charge for delivery to a ship or railway wagon. freely adv. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884

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Additional Info
This page provides a list of definitions and meanings for "free" from various historical English dictionaries. By displaying multiple definitions, you can compare and contrast different meanings and nuances of a word, phrase, or slang. You can also see the changes in meaning of "free" over time by viewing the definitions from different dictionaries published at different times in history. The page also includes other information to help users expand their vocabulary and understand the context of the word.

Important Notes
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