To liberate a place or the people in it means to free them from the political or military control of another country, area, or group of people. They planned to march on and liberate the city + liberation lib·era·tion a mass liberation movement
To liberate someone from something means to help them escape from it or overcome it, and lead a better way of life. He asked how committed the leadership was to liberating its people from poverty. = free + liberating lib·er·at·ing If you have the chance to spill your problems out to a therapist it can be a very liberating experience. + liberation lib·era·tion the women's liberation movement
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