liberty

[ˈlɪbəti]

liberty Definition

• 1. the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views
• 2. the power or scope to act as one pleases
• 3. a right or privilege, especially a statutory one

Using liberty: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "liberty" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The country fought for its liberty and independence.

• Example

  The government should not infringe upon the liberties of its citizens.

• Example

  He took the liberty of opening the window.

• Example

  The press has the liberty to report on any issue.

liberty Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for liberty

• freedom
• autonomy
• independence
• self-determination
• self-government

Antonyms for liberty

• oppression
• captivity
• slavery

Idioms Using liberty

• at the mercy of someone or something

  in a situation where someone or something has complete control over you

  Example

  Without a job, I am at the mercy of my parents for financial support.

• give someone the freedom of the city

  to honor someone by granting them the right to enter and leave the city without paying taxes or tolls

  Example

  The mayor gave the actor the freedom of the city for his charitable work.

• take away someone's liberty

  to deprive someone of their freedom, often through imprisonment or detention

  Example

  The judge took away the criminal's liberty by sentencing him to life in prison.

Phrases with liberty

• at liberty

  free to do something or go somewhere

  Example

  I am at liberty to leave work early today.

• take the liberty

  to do something without asking permission

  Example

  I took the liberty of ordering some food for us.

• civil liberties

  the rights of citizens to political and social freedom and equality

  Example

  The government must protect the civil liberties of its citizens.

Origins of liberty

from Old French 'liberté', from Latin 'libertas', meaning 'freedom'

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Summary: liberty in Brief

The term 'liberty' [ˈlɪbəti] refers to the state of being free from oppressive restrictions, the power to act as one pleases, and a right or privilege. It is exemplified by phrases like 'at liberty,' indicating freedom to do something, and 'take the liberty,' implying doing something without permission. Idioms like 'at the mercy of someone or something' denote a lack of control, while 'give someone the freedom of the city' honors someone by granting them the right to enter and leave the city without paying taxes or tolls.