liberty

noun lib·er·ty \ˈli-bər-tē\

: the state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely

: the power to do or choose what you want to

: a political right

plural lib·er·ties

Full Definition of LIBERTY

: the quality or state of being free:

a : the power to do as one pleases

b : freedom from physical restraint

c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control

d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges

e : the power of choice

a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege

b : permission especially to go freely within specified limits

: an action going beyond normal limits: as

a : a breach of etiquette or propriety : familiarity

b : risk, chance <took foolish liberties with his health>

c : a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice

d : a distortion of fact

: a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours

— at liberty

: free

: at leisure : unoccupied

See liberty defined for English-language learners

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Origin of LIBERTY

Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free — more at liberal

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to LIBERTY

Synonyms: alternative, discretion, druthers [dialect], election, choice, option, pick, preference, selection, volition, way

Antonyms: dependence (also dependance), heteronomy, subjection, unfreedom

Synonym Discussion of LIBERTY

freedom, liberty, license mean the power or condition of acting without compulsion. freedom has a broad range of application from total absence of restraint to merely a sense of not being unduly hampered or frustrated <freedom of the press>. liberty suggests release from former restraint or compulsion <the released prisoner had difficulty adjusting to his new liberty>. license implies freedom specially granted or conceded and may connote an abuse of freedom <freedom without responsibility may degenerate into license>.