freedom

free·dom

noun \ˈfrē-dəm\

Definition of FREEDOM

1

: the quality or state of being free: as a : the absence of necessity, coercion, or constraint in choice or action b : liberation from slavery or restraint or from the power of another : independence c : the quality or state of being exempt or released usually from something onerous <freedom from care> d : ease, facility <spoke the language with freedom> e : the quality of being frank, open, or outspoken <answered with freedom> f : improper familiarity g : boldness of conception or execution h : unrestricted use <gave him the freedom of their home>

2

a : a political right b : franchise, privilege

Examples of FREEDOM

1. He thinks children these days have too much freedom.
2. She has the freedom to do as she likes.
3. a political prisoner struggling to win his freedom

First Known Use of FREEDOM

before 12th century

Related to FREEDOM

Synonyms: autonomy, independence, independency, liberty, self-determination, self-governance, self-government, sovereignty (also sovranty)

Antonyms: dependence (also dependance), heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom

Related Words: emancipation, enfranchisement, liberation, manumission, release

Near Antonyms: captivity, enchainment, enslavement, immurement, imprisonment, incarceration, internment, subjugation

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Synonym Discussion of FREEDOM

freedom, liberty, license mean the power or condition of acting without compulsion. freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated <freedom of the press>. liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion <the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty>. license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom <freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license>.

Rhymes with FREEDOM

Edom, sedum

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