setting free

Meanings

1. 1phrase

   The act of releasing a person or animal from captivity, prison, or control so they become free.

   Grammar: Used as a noun-like phrase, often with 'of': the setting free of the prisoners.

   Patterns

   • the setting free of someone/something
   • setting someone/something free

   The setting free of the caged birds was a joyful moment for the children.

   After years of campaigning, the setting free of the political prisoners finally happened.

   Setting free a wild animal requires careful planning so it can survive.

2. 2phrase

   The act of removing limits or restrictions from something such as trade, prices, or information.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'of' and used in business or political contexts.

   Patterns

   • the setting free of something
   • setting something free from something

   The setting free of the market from strict rules led to lower prices.

   Setting free the data allowed researchers to make new discoveries.

   The setting free of trade between the two countries boosted their economies.

3. 3phrasefigurative

   The act of freeing someone from an emotion, duty, or situation that holds them back.

   Grammar: Often used with 'from': setting free from fear, guilt, or debt.

   Patterns

   • setting someone free from something
   • setting free from something

   Therapy felt like setting free from years of guilt.

   Setting free from the burden of debt changed her whole life.

   Writing the letter was his way of setting free from the past.

Common combinations

the setting free of prisoners

The setting free of prisoners was announced on the evening news.

setting free a bird

Setting free a bird that has healed is a delicate process.

setting free from fear

Meditation helped her in setting free from fear.

setting free the imagination

Art classes are about setting free the imagination.

the setting free of trade

The setting free of trade changed the global economy.

Synonyms and how they differ

release

Release is the more common noun or verb for letting someone go; 'setting free' sounds more emotional or literary.

liberation

Liberation is a formal noun often used for whole groups or countries, while 'setting free' can be used for one person or animal.

emancipation

Emancipation is a formal, historical word for freeing people from slavery or strict control; 'setting free' is more general.

Opposites

Word family

set free phrase

The base form meaning to release someone or something.

freedom noun

The state of being free.

freely adverb

In a free way; without restriction.

Commonly confused: setting free or set free?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “setting free”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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