affranchise

/əˈfɹænˌt͡ʃaɪz/

Etymology

From late Middle English affranchysen, from Old French afranchiss-, long stem of afranchir (modern French affranchir), from a- + franchir (“to free”). By surface analysis, af- + franchise.

Why this word is great

AFFRANCHISE — [Verb] To free from obligation, servitude, or service. From late Middle English affranchysen, from Old French afranchiss-, long stem of afranchir (modern French affranchir), from a- (ad-, "to") + franchir ("to free"). By surface analysis, af- + franchise. Unlike "enfranchise" (which bestows rights) or "emancipate" (which demands legal decree), "affranchise" is the quiet act of unburdening—less a proclamation than a sigh. It is the serf released from feudal ties not by parchment but by his lord’s indifference, the debtor whose ledger is erased by fire, the aging hound let slip from its chain to wander into the woods at dusk. Freedom, here, is not given but found.

verb

  1. To free from obligation, servitude or service.“Eventually, the intention was that they should affranchise all the slaves.”