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

An Israel dominated by the far right would become more authoritarian, with civil liberties curtailed, particularly gender rights. —Ilan Z. Baron, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2024

That would set a dangerous precedent, the civil liberties groups contend. —Arthur Holland Michel, WIRED, 24 July 2024

The spying tool allows the government to collect intelligence on non-Americans outside the United States but also captures data from Americans, a feature that alarms civil liberties groups. —Madeleine O'Neill, Baltimore Sun, 9 Aug. 2024

That caused an outcry among civil liberties advocates, who viewed it as an avenue for Republicans to censor LGBTQ and other content. —Kevin Collier, NBC News, 31 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

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