lib·er·ty
(lĭb́ər-tē)
[Middle English liberte, from Old French, from Latin lībertās, from līber, free.]
noun: pl., -ties.
- The condition of being free from restriction or control.
- The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing.
- The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor. See synonyms at freedom
- Freedom from unjust or undue governmental control.
- A right or immunity to engage in certain actions without control or interference: the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
- A breach or overstepping of propriety or social convention. Often used in the plural.
- A statement, attitude, or action not warranted by conditions or actualities: a historical novel that takes liberties with chronology.
- An unwarranted risk; a chance: took foolish liberties on the ski slopes.
- A period, usually short, during which a sailor is authorized to go ashore.
idioms
- at liberty
- Not in confinement or under constraint; free. Not employed, occupied, or in use.
