deliverance
UK[dɪˈlɪvərəns]US[dɪˈlɪvərəns]
n
the state of being saved from danger, evil, or trouble
n
a formal or authoritative pronouncement, especially a verdict or judgment
Morpheme Breakdown
deliver
ance
deliver
to set free
ance
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'deliverance' has a clear narrative of liberation, built upon the older verb 'deliver'. the core verb stems from latin 'deliberare', a combination of 'de-' (completely) and 'liberare' (to free), literally meaning 'to set free'. this concept passed through old french 'delivrer' into middle english. the suffix '-ance', of latin origin via french, was then appended to form a noun denoting the state or act of being set free. thus, the modern abstract meaning evolved from the literal action of physical release to encompass broader salvation from peril, suffering, or even the formal pronouncement of a verdict that frees one from legal jeopardy.
Analysis
Structure: deliver (to set free) + ance (noun suffix)
deliver (from latin 'de-' + 'liberare', meaning 'to free, to set free'), ance (a noun-forming suffix of latin origin via french, indicating an action, state, or quality)
Examples
the villagers prayed for deliverance from the invading army.
the jury's verdict was a deliverance for the wrongly accused man.
many found spiritual deliverance through their faith.