Liberty

Main Entry:: lib·er·ty
Pronunciation:: \ˈli-bər-tē\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural lib·er·ties
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free — more at liberal
Date:: 14th century

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 limits3: 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

synonyms see freedom

— at liberty

1: free2: at leisure : unoccupied

Learn more about "liberty" and related topics at Britannica.com

See a map of "liberty" in the Visual Thesaurus

Find Jobs in Your City

Pronunciation Symbols