autonomy

noun

au·ton·o·my | \ȯ-ˈtä-nə-mē

plural autonomies

Definition of autonomy

1 : the quality or state of being self-governing especially : the right of self-government The territory was granted autonomy.

2 : self-directing freedom and especially moral independence personal autonomy

3 : a self-governing state

Synonyms & Antonyms Autonomy Has Origins in Law More Example Sentences Learn More about autonomy

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Autonomy Has Origins in Law

Since nomos is Greek for "law", something autonomous makes its own laws. The amount of autonomy enjoyed by French-speaking Quebec, or of Palestinians in certain towns in Israel, or of independent-minded regions of Russia, have become major issues. The autonomy of individual states in the United States has posed serious constitutional questions for two centuries. The autonomy of children is almost always limited by their parents. But when those parents are elderly and begin driving poorly and getting confused about their finances, their children may see the need to limit their autonomy in much the same way.

Examples of autonomy in a Sentence

The Catalans take the matter of their language very seriously; it is an outward indication of their autonomy, of their distinction from the rest of Spain. — Polly Evans, It's Not About the Tapas, 2006 The term empire implies more than simple cultural dominance or preeminent military power. It applies to states that use force to occupy and control a group of other states or regions. The conquered states, robbed of autonomy and political independence, become colonies, provinces, or territories of the imperial power. Taxes are levied, laws are imposed, soldiers are conscripted, governors are installed—all without the consent of the subjugated state. — Michael J. Glennon, Wilson Quarterly, Summer 2002 The social payoff of the new knowledge would be new technology, then new industries and new jobs. Compton got nowhere with the administration, partly because he was an anti-New Dealer, partly because the government was unwilling to grant scientists the autonomy that they claimed, and partly because his program represented a trickle-down approach to economic recovery. — Daniel J. Kevles, New Republic, 30 Sept. 2002 Usually, Americans think of freedom as a condition of personal autonomy, independence from the will of others. This way of thinking reflects just the kind of distinction—between oneself and the rest of the group of which one is a part—that Dewey considered false. — Louis Menand, The Metaphysical Club, 2001 a teacher who encourages individual autonomy The territory has been granted autonomy.

Recent Examples on the Web

But James’s career also reveals the limits of labor autonomy in an infrastructure with such a power imbalance. — Dylan Scott, Vox, "LeBron James and the NBA teach us a lot about labor in America," 6 July 2018 The 1978 Spanish constitution also ensured the region was given more autonomy, including its own police force, language, education and fiscal rights. — James Masters And Claudia Rebaza, CNN, "Basque separatist group ETA announces full dissolution," 2 May 2018 To access aid, Syrian Kurds should also be required to allow non-Kurdish towns within their areas of control a degree of additional local autonomy. — Ryan Crocker And, WSJ, "After the Syria Strike, a Strategy," 15 Apr. 2018 This, coupled with the increasing popularity of tough fitness regimens (see: ClassPass), has given people a sense of more autonomy over their respective bodies. — Deanna Pai, The Cut, "How ‘Wellness’ Culture Creates an Illusion of Control Over Death," 13 Apr. 2018 But New Westminster was abandoned just eleven years after the foundation stone of the governor’s house was put in place, while New Plymouth went on to become a beacon of righteous autonomy for the generations that succeeded the Pilgrim fathers. — Aaron Gilbreath, Longreads, "The Island that Disappeared," 20 Mar. 2018 But the kinds of autonomy on the horizon are different. — The Economist, "War at hyperspeedGetting to grips with military robotics," 25 Jan. 2018 Snyder's spokeswoman said Snyder does not have the power to do so, partly because of autonomy granted to state university boards. — Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, "Gov. Rick Snyder asked to remove MSU President Lou Anna Simon," 22 Jan. 2018 That includes everything from the defense, over which defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus will have autonomy, to special teams, which will be presided over by special-teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone. — Stephen Holder, Indianapolis Star, "Insider: Colts' Frank Reich plans to turn his coaching staff loose," 2 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'autonomy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.