civil liberty

noun

1. the freedom of a citizen to exercise customary rights, as of speech or assembly, without unwarranted or arbitrary interference by the government.
2. such a right as guaranteed by the laws of a country, as in the U.S. by the Bill of Rights.

civil liberty

noun

1. the right of an individual to certain freedoms of speech and action

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil liberty¹

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

I recall being taught that those laws were a big mistake perpetrated by an infant republic, unduly empowering the president to infringe on civil liberties.

From Los Angeles Times

But there is often a tension between improving public health and civil liberties.

From BBC

Patrick Eddington, a senior policy analyst for national security and civil liberties at the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, takes a darker view, arguing that it's "naive" to suggest that Trump would be deterred by logistical complications.

From Salon

Critics feared the law could further erode civil liberties in the city, while Beijing and Hong Kong defended it, saying it was necessary for stability.

From BBC

Diamond has often said that democracies, with their strong protections for civil liberties and the rule of law, don’t drop dead of a heart attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• civil rights
• freedom
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech