English · Culture & Society
liberty
/ˈlɪb.ə.ti/
[/ˈlɪb.ə.ti/]
freedom from control
Intermediatenoun
Definition
The condition of being free from oppressive restriction by authority. It often refers to political and personal freedoms guaranteed to citizens.
Example
The statue stands as a powerful symbol of liberty welcoming immigrants to a new land.
The statue stands as a powerful symbol of liberty welcoming immigrants to a new land.
Etymology
From Old French 'liberte', from Latin 'libertas', from 'liber' (free).
How & Where It’s Used
Common in political philosophy, law, and patriotic language.
Literary Heritage
Patrick Henry's reputed cry 'Give me liberty, or give me death!' (1775) made the word iconic in American history.