Definition of liberty
liberties
1 : the quality or state of being free:a : the power to do as one pleasesb : freedom from physical restraintc : freedom from arbitrary or despotic (see despot 2) controld : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privilegese : the power of choice
2a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilegeb : permission especially to go freely within specified limits was given the liberty of the house
3 : an action going beyond normal limits: such asa : a breach of etiquette or propriety : familiarity took undue liberties with a strangerb : risk, chance took foolish liberties with his healthc : a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice took liberties in the way he played the gamed : a distortion of fact The movie takes many liberties with the actual events.
4 : a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours
at liberty
1 : free
2 : at leisure : unoccupied
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Examples of liberty in a Sentence
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
Recent Examples of liberty from the Web
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No American should be deprived of liberty or property without due process, and the process due in these cases — which are predicated on underlying criminal activity — is a criminal trial rather than a civil action.
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Loco moco and huli-huli chicken channel tradition, while a baby octopus terrine with foie gras and the sloppy kimchi burger take delicious liberties.
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This British legacy is key to Hong Kong's attractiveness for foreign institutions and investors, who value the secure legal environment and level playing field ensured by an independent judiciary designed to protect civil liberties.
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Speaking aboard Air Force One on his way to celebrate equality, liberty, and fraternity in France, Donald Trump turned his attention to the interlinked problems currently plaguing his presidency: paternity and Putin.
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Looking for a taste of the luxuries and liberties afforded to Westworld guests?
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Looking for a taste of the luxuries and liberties afforded to Westworld guests?
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The Fourth of July is symbolic of patriotism, liberty and fireworks, a wonderful part of American heritage.
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The new justice has shown greater sensitivity toward individual liberties than...
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'liberty.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of liberty
Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free — more at liberal
Synonym Discussion of liberty
Other Government and Politics Terms
Liberty
playDefinition of Liberty
city in northwestern Missouri north-northeast of Kansas City population 29,149
LIBERTY Defined for English Language Learners
liberty
playDefinition of liberty for English Language Learners
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: the state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely
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: the power to do or choose what you want to
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: a political right
LIBERTY Defined for Kids
liberty
playDefinition of liberty for Students
liberties
at liberty
: able to act or speak freely I'm not at liberty to discuss the project.
Law Dictionary
liberty
Legal Definition of liberty
liberties
1a : freedom from external (as governmental) restraint, compulsion, or interference in engaging in the pursuits or conduct of one's choice to the extent that they are lawful and not harmful to others b : enjoyment of the rights enjoyed by others in a society free of arbitrary or unreasonable limitation or interference
2 : freedom from physical restraint
3 : freedom from subjection to the will of another claiming ownership or services
4 : right the right to a fair trial is a fundamental liberty secured by the Fourteenth Amendment — W. R. LaFave and J. H. Israel
Learn More about liberty
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for liberty Spanish Central: Translation of liberty Nglish: Translation of liberty for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of liberty for Arabic speakers
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