■ adjective ( ~r , ~st )
1》 not under the control or in the power of another.
↘subject neither to foreign domination nor despotic government: a ~ press.
↘permitted to take a specified action.
2》 not or no longer confined, obstructed, or fixed: the researchers set the birds ~.
↘ Physics (of power or energy) disengaged or available.
↘ Physics & Chemistry not bound in an atom, molecule, or compound: ~ oxygen.
3》 not subject to engagements or obligations.
↘not occupied or in use.
4》 ( ~ of/from ) not subject to or affected by: an area ~ from weeds.
5》 available without charge.
6》 generous or lavish: she was always ~ with her money.
↘frank or unrestrained.
7》 not observing the normal conventions; improvised: ~ 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 ( ~s , ~ing , ~d )
1》 make ~; release.
2》 relieve of something undesirable or restrictive.
3》 make available.
Phrases
~ and easy informal and relaxed.
a ~ hand ~dom to act completely at one's own discretion.
~ on board (or rail ) including delivery without charge to a ship (or railway wagon).
a ~ ride a situation in which someone benefits without having to make a fair contribution.
the ~ world the non-communist countries of the world, as formerly opposed to the Soviet bloc.
make ~ with treat without proper respect.
Derivatives
~ness noun
Origin
OE frēo (adjective), frēon (v.), of Gmc origin; related to friend .