civil liberty

noun

plural civil liberties

: freedom from arbitrary interference in one's speech or actions by other individuals or by the government especially as constitutionally guaranteed (as by the U.S. Bill of Rights)

—usually plural

Examples of civil liberties include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, the right to privacy, and the right to due process of law.

—Ramon Martin

compare civil rights

civil libertarian noun

plural civil libertarians

civil libertarian adjective

… continued divisions within the GOP on civil libertarian issues.

—Ian Duncan and Lisa Mascaro

Examples of civil liberty in a Sentence

Freedom of speech is a civil liberty.

Recent Examples on the Web

Higgins said the City of Miami stands in solidarity with Venezuelans as residents gather in peaceful celebration, adding that local authorities are prepared to protect public safety and uphold civil liberties. —Sergio Candido, CBS News, 3 Jan. 2026

One of the things [a person] could do is file a complaint with the Department of Homeland Security for civil rights and civil liberties. —Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 1 Jan. 2026

Members of Congress have also begun scrutinizing the deployments, raising concerns about civil liberties and the growing use of military forces in civilian settings. —Melody Gutierrez, Los Angeles Times, 31 Dec. 2025

The new restrictions are part of a nationwide policing shift in response to the attack, which has drawn concern from some civil liberties and free-speech advocates. —Freddie Clayton, NBC news, 20 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, 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