liberty
lib·er·ty
noun \ˈli-bər-tē\ plural lib·er·ties
Definition of LIBERTY
1
: the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases b : freedom from physical restraint c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e : the power of choice
2
a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege b : permission especially to go freely within specified limits
3
: an action going beyond normal limits: as a : a breach of etiquette or propriety : familiarity b : risk, chance <took foolish liberties with his health> c : a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice d : a distortion of fact
4
: a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours
— at liberty
1
: free
2
: at leisure : unoccupied
Examples of LIBERTY
- a nation that values liberty and democracy
- soldiers willing to die in defense of liberty
- They gave him the liberty to handle the problem himself.
- hard-won liberties such as freedom of the press
Origin of LIBERTY
Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free — more at liberal
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to LIBERTY
- Synonyms
- alternative, discretion, druthers [dialect], election, choice, option, pick, preference, selection, volition, way
- Antonyms
- dependence (also dependance), heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom
See Synonym Discussion at freedom
Other Government and Politics Terms
Lib·er·ty
geographical name \ˈli-bər-tē\Definition of LIBERTY
city NW Missouri NNE of Kansas City pop 26,232
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