1. To set free from legal, social, or political restraint; esp., to free from slavery or bondage. [Cases: Slaves 23.]
2. To release (a child) from the control, support, and responsibility of a parent or guardian. [Cases: Child Support 386–392; Parent and Child 16. C.J.S. Parent and Child §§ 13–37, 158, 180, 183–184, 194, 222.] — emancipative, emancipatory, adj. — emancipator, n.