Definition

1. Verb:
   • To make (laws, rules, or systems) less strict or more liberal: The primary meaning refers to the act of removing or reducing restrictions, controls, or regulations, often in economic or social policy.
   • To become more liberal: Used to describe the process by which laws, rules, or attitudes become less strict over time.

Examples of Usage

• Verb:
  • The government decided to liberalise trade regulations to encourage foreign investment.
  • Many countries have liberalised their visa policies to boost tourism.
  • The industry began to grow rapidly after the state liberalised the market.

Advanced Usage

• "to liberalise the economy": A common phrase referring to reducing government control over economic activities, such as privatizing industries or removing trade barriers.

  • The reforms aimed to liberalise the economy and promote competition.

• Used in a social/political context: Can describe making social attitudes or policies more open or progressive.

  • The movement sought to liberalise laws concerning freedom of speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Liberalize (verb): The preferred spelling in American English. It has the same meaning as 'liberalise'.

  • The administration plans to liberalize energy policies.

• Liberalisation (noun, British English spelling): The process or result of making something liberal.

  • Economic liberalisation led to significant changes.

• Liberalization (noun, American English spelling): The American English variant of 'liberalisation'.

Synonyms

• Deregulate: To remove regulations or controls from.
• Relax: To make a rule or restriction less severe.
• Open up: To make something more accessible or less restricted.

Antonyms

• Restrict: To limit or control.
• Regulate: To control by rules or laws.
• Tighten: To make rules or controls stricter.

Verb

1. make liberal or more liberal, of laws and rules
2. become more liberal
   • The laws liberalized after Prohibition