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 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 An agreement is reached between Iraqi government and Kurds granting some autonomy. — Cnn Editorial Research, CNN, 2 Aug. 2021 Puerto Rico was given more autonomy — but remained under U.S. control — when Congress approved the Constitution of Puerto Rico in 1952. — Los Angeles Times, 2 Aug. 2021 Under a 2000 purchase agreement, Ben & Jerry's retained great autonomy over its social-justice policies. — Josef Federman, ajc, 28 July 2021 But some on social media claim this evolution toward AI autonomy has already happened. — Miriam Fauzia, USA TODAY, 28 July 2021 With the acquisition, Shield AI — which applies self-driving car technologies to military aircraft — will integrate its Hivemind autonomy software to Martin UAV’s vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aircraft called V-BAT. — Dallas News, 28 July 2021 Currently, the Big 12 is one of five autonomy conferences in NCAA Division I governance along with the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12 and Atlantic Coast Conference. — Ralph D. Russo, Chron, 25 July 2021 Volkswagen plans to have Level 4 autonomy on its electric ID.Buzz van for commercial use by 2025. — Connor Hoffman, Car and Driver, 21 July 2021 The Hong Kong autonomy protests became a global phenomenon, running almost nonstop after March 2019. — Daniel Henninger, WSJ, 21 July 2021

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.