liberty

[ lib-er-tee ]noun, plural lib·er·ties.

freedom from arbitrary or despotic government or control.
freedom from external or foreign rule; independence.
freedom from control, interference, obligation, restriction, hampering conditions, etc.; power or right of doing, thinking, speaking, etc., according to choice.
freedom from captivity, confinement, or physical restraint:The prisoner soon regained his liberty.
permission granted to a sailor, especially in the navy, to go ashore.
freedom or right to frequent or use a place:The visitors were given the liberty of the city.

Idioms

at liberty,

free from captivity or restraint.
unemployed; out of work.
free to do or be as specified:You are at liberty to leave at any time during the meeting.

ORIGIN OF LIBERTY

1325–75; Middle English liberte < Middle French < Latin lībertās, equivalent to līber free + -tās -ty²

SYNONYMS FOR LIBERTY

4. liberation. See freedom.

6. franchise, permission, license, privilege, immunity.

BRITISH DICTIONARY DEFINITIONS FOR LIBERTY

liberty / (ˈlɪbətɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the power of choosing, thinking, and acting for oneself; freedom from control or restriction
the right or privilege of access to a particular place; freedom
(often plural) a social action regarded as being familiar, forward, or improper
(often plural) an action that is unauthorized or unwarranted in the circumstances he took liberties with the translation
1. authorized leave granted to a sailor
2. (as modifier) liberty man; liberty boat
at liberty free, unoccupied, or unrestricted

WORD ORIGIN FOR LIBERTY

C14: from Old French liberté, from Latin lībertās, from līber free

An animated series exploring the substance behind the political terminology used in contemporary debates. The research of Mr G Edward Griffin reveals how all viewpoints can be stripped down to 2 basic positions. Discover how the different approaches of Collectivism and Individualism impact on all aspects of our lives, from human rights, governmental authority and the use of force.