diff --git a/newlib/doc/makedoc.c b/newlib/doc/makedoc.c
index 36a14e535..966349c51 100644
--- a/newlib/doc/makedoc.c
+++ b/newlib/doc/makedoc.c
@@ -1278,7 +1278,8 @@ compile (char *string)
 	}	    
     }
 
-return(ret);
+    free(word);
+    return(ret);
 }