The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Emancipation \E*man`ci*pa"tion\, n. [L. emancipatio: cf. F.
   ['e]mancipation.]
   The act of setting free from the power of another, from
   slavery, subjection, dependence, or controlling influence;
   also, the state of being thus set free; the act or process of
   emancipation, or the state thereby achieved; liberation; as,
   the emancipation of slaves; the emancipation of minors; the
   emancipation of a person from prejudices; the emancipation of
   the mind from superstition; the emancipation of a nation from
   tyranny or subjection.

   Syn: Deliverance; liberation; release; freedom; manumission;
        enfranchisement.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

emancipation
    n 1: freeing someone from the control of another; especially a
         parent's relinquishing authority and control over a minor
         child

The Devil's Dictionary (1881-1906):

EMANCIPATION, n.  A bondman's change from the tyranny of another to
the despotism of himself.

    He was a slave:  at word he went and came;
        His iron collar cut him to the bone.
    Then Liberty erased his owner's name,
        Tightened the rivets and inscribed his own.
                                                                  G.J.