civil liberty

noun

: freedom from arbitrary governmental interference (as with the right of free speech) specifically by denial of governmental power and in the U.S. especially as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights
usually used in plural
civil libertarian noun or adjective

Examples of civil liberty in a Sentence

Freedom of speech is a civil liberty.
Recent Examples on the Web The share of Americans who believe the intelligence community respects their privacy and civil liberties dropped from 52% in 2020 to 44% in 2022, according to a University of Texas survey. TIME, 29 Feb. 2024 To protect civil liberties, the city created a Privacy Advisory Board to help ensure that the technology used is appropriate and that there are safeguards against abuse. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Feb. 2024 According to the White House Historical Association, George Washington issued the first presidential pardon — which releases someone from punishment and restores all their civil liberties — in 1795. Virginia Chamlee, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024 Guelzo concedes that the wartime president did encroach on civil liberties by, among other things, arresting political dissenters and shutting down unfriendly newspapers. Barbara Spindel, The Christian Science Monitor, 15 Feb. 2024 The border crisis and all the evils that entails; the war this administration is waging against our energy industry; insane and reckless federal government spending; and the weaponization of the federal government against the citizens and their civil liberties. Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Feb. 2024 Finding the balance between individual civil liberties and safety is crucial and takes thought and a slower pace. Lou Fancher, The Mercury News, 14 Feb. 2024 At the same time, Mr. Joko has also overseen what critics describe as the regression of civil liberties. Muktita Suhartono, New York Times, 13 Feb. 2024 David Greene, civil liberties director of Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital rights nonprofit based in San Francisco, said book banning informs how these efforts should be looked at. Rachel Barber, USA TODAY, 13 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'civil liberty.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of civil liberty was in 1614

Dictionary Entries Near civil liberty

Cite this Entry

“Civil liberty.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/civil%20liberty. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

civil liberty

noun
: freedom from arbitrary interference in one's pursuits (as in expressing thoughts, practicing a religion, or pursuing a living) by individuals or especially by the government and especially as constitutionally guaranteed
usually used in pl.
see also civil right
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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