moksha

IPA/mˈɒkʃə/
IPA/mˈɑːkʃə/

moksha — noun

1. a state in Hinduism and Jainism in which the soul is finally freed from rebirth

1.nounC2
Definition

a state in Hinduism and Jainism in which the soul is finally freed from rebirth and the results of past actions

Example

The teacher said moksha is the soul's final release from rebirth.

pattern: moksha is + noun phrase

After the lecture, Ada asked how good actions relate to moksha.

Common collocations
  • attain moksha
  • seek moksha
  • path to moksha
  • moksha from rebirth
Synonyms
  • liberation

    a broader English word for being set free, without the specific religious meaning

  • spiritual freedom

    a plain English explanation rather than the traditional religious term

Grammar Patterns

attain moksha

seek moksha

the path to moksha

Usage Note

Used mainly when discussing Hindu and Jain beliefs. In general English, spiritual freedom is a broader explanation, not a full synonym.

Common Mistakes

Her family believed moksha would bring a better next life.
Her family believed moksha would end rebirth completely.
moksha means release from rebirth, not a more favorable future birth.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Moksha is a specific religious term used mainly in discussions of Hinduism and Jainism. It refers to final release from rebirth and from the effects of karma. Nirvana is often compared with it, but that word is more closely tied to Buddhism and carries its own religious background. Liberation is much broader in English and can describe political, social, or personal freedom as well as spiritual release. If you are talking about this exact idea inside Hindu or Jain belief, moksha is the precise word. A teacher might explain that a seeker hopes to attain moksha, while a general essay may simply talk about spiritual liberation.

moksha ↗nirvana ↗liberation ↗

Etymology

SanskritEnglish

From Sanskrit moksha, meaning release or freeing. In English it is used as a loanword for the Hindu and Jain idea of final spiritual release from rebirth.