Liberate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Liberated; p. pr. & vb. n. Liberating.]
Etymology: [L. liberatus, p. p. of liberare to free, fr. liber free. See Liberal, a., and cf. Deliver.]
To release from restraint or bondage; to set at liberty; to free; to manumit; to disengage; as, to liberate a slave or prisoner; to liberate the mind from prejudice; to liberate gases.
Syn. -- To deliver; free; release. See Deliver.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for liberate; he lists it under absolve.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.