plural freedoms
1
: the state of being free: such as
a
: the power to do what you want to do : the ability to move or act freely
religious freedom
academic freedom
He thinks children these days have too much freedom.
She has the freedom to do as she likes.
freedom of choice
freedom of speech/expression [=the right to express your opinions freely]
freedom of the press [=the right to publish books, newspapers, etc., without being controlled by the government]
b
: the state of not being a slave, prisoner, etc.
a political prisoner struggling to win his freedom
c
: the state of not having or being affected by something unpleasant, painful, or unwanted
—+ from
freedom from care
freedom from pain/fear
freedom from responsibility
d
: the right to use something or go somewhere without being controlled
freedom of the seas
2
: a political right
an important freedom
basic human freedoms
Cite this Entry
“Freedom.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/freedom. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
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