Phrase guide

free up

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To make (space or time) available.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Selling those old books freed up most of the spare room.
  • You can free up space on your hard disk by deleting temporary files.
  • If you're coming to visit for the weekend, I'll free up Saturday for you.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To make (a person or resource) available.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • Retiring from work freed me up to write a novel.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

9 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: vapauttaa — to make (space or time) available
  • Hungarian: felszabadít — to make (space or time) available
  • Polish: oswobodzić — to make (space or time) available
  • Russian: освободи́ть (osvobodítʹ) — to make (space or time) available
  • Russian: вы́свободить (výsvoboditʹ) — to make (space or time) available
  • Spanish: desalojar — to make (space or time) available
  • Spanish: desocupar — to make (space or time) available
  • Swedish: frigöra — to make (space or time) available
  • Turkish: yer açmak — to make (space or time) available