First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
: 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
2
a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege b : permission especially to go freely within specified limits
3
: 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
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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Origin of LIBERTY
Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free — more at liberal
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>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
Liberty
geographical name Lib·er·ty \ˈli-bər-tē\
Definition of LIBERTY
city NW Missouri NNE of Kansas City pop 29,149
LIBERTY Defined for Kids
liberty
noun lib·er·ty \ˈli-bər-tē\
plural lib·er·ties
Definition of LIBERTY for Kids
1
: the state of being free : freedom
2
: freedom to do as desired <Give the child some liberty.>
3
: the state of not being busy : leisure
4
: a political right <Don't take your liberties for granted.>
5
: an action that is too free <The movie takes liberties with the truth.>
— at liberty
: able to act or speak freely <I'm not at liberty to discuss the project.>
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