free

adjective (freer, freest)

1》 not under the control or in the power of another.

    ↘subject neither to foreign domination nor despotic government: a free press.

    ↘permitted to take a specified action.

2》 not or no longer confined, obstructed, or fixed: the researchers set the birds free.

    ↘Physics (of power or energy) disengaged or available.

    ↘Physics & Chemistry not bound in an atom, molecule, or compound: free oxygen.

3》 not subject to engagements or obligations.

    ↘not occupied or in use.

4》 (free of/from) not subject to or affected by: an area free from weeds.

5》 available without charge.

6》 generous or lavish: she was always free with her money.

    ↘frank or unrestrained.

7》 not observing the normal conventions; improvised: free jazz.

    ↘(of a translation) conveying only the broad sense; not literal.

8》 Sailing (of the wind) blowing from a favourable direction to the side or aft of a vessel.

adverb

1》 without cost or payment.

2》 Sailing with the sheets eased.

verb (frees, freeing, freed)

1》 make free; release.

2》 relieve of something undesirable or restrictive.

3》 make available.

Phrases

free and easy informal and relaxed.

a free hand freedom to act completely at one's own discretion.

free on board (or rail) including delivery without charge to a ship (or railway wagon).

a free ride a situation in which someone benefits without having to make a fair contribution.

the free world the non-communist countries of the world, as formerly opposed to the Soviet bloc.

make free with treat without proper respect.

Derivatives

freeness noun

Origin

OE frēo (adjective), frēon (v.), of Gmc origin; related to friend.