Liberalisation

noun

/ˌlɪbərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/

The relaxation or removal of government regulations, restrictions, and controls on economic activity to encourage private enterprise, market competition, and efficiency.

✍️ Usage in a UPSC answer

The 1991 liberalisation of the Indian economy dismantled the licence-permit raj, opening hitherto protected sectors to private capital and foreign investment and thereby catalysing nearly three decades of accelerated growth.

Synonyms

deregulationdecontrolrelaxationeasingopening-uploosening

Antonyms

regulationrestrictionnationalisationprotectionism

🌱 Word Family

liberalise (v), liberalised (adj), liberalising (v pres.p), liberal (adj/n), liberalism (n)

🔡 Root

Latin liber = free → liberalis = of freedom → liberalize (v) + -ation = process suffix

📜 Etymology

From the verb liberalize + -ation suffix; liberalize from liberal, from Latin liberalis ("of or pertaining to freedom"), from liber ("free").

🧠 Memory Hook

Rooted in Latin "liber" = free (as in "liberty"): liberalisation is the act of setting markets and rules FREE from tight controls.

📝 Seen in UPSC Question Papers

Mains 2019 · GS3 · 15 marks — Indian Economy

Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Liberalisation” — proof this word earns its place on your list.

🏛️ History & Culture 📖 Seen in: 1991 Economic Reforms & Liberalisation

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