autonomy

[ aw-ton-uh-mee ]

noun

, plural au·ton·o·mies.

1. independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions:

   the autonomy of the individual.

2. the condition of being autonomous; self-government or the right of self-government:

   The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.

3. a self-governing community.

autonomy

/ ɔːˈtɒnəmɪ /

noun

1. the right or state of self-government, esp when limited
2. a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy
3. freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc
4. philosophy
   1. the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and laws See also categorical imperative
   2. the state in which one's actions are autonomous

Derived Forms

• auˈtonomist, noun

Other Words From

• au·tono·mist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomy¹

First recorded in 1615–25; from Greek autonomía “independence,” equivalent to autónom(os) autonomous + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomy¹

C17: from Greek autonomia freedom to live by one's own laws; see autonomous

Example Sentences

"We have the autonomy and control to be able to market ourselves how we desire and in ways which are most authentic to us."

From BBC

“It’s a violation of people’s right to autonomy and is an example of the government interfering in careful discussions and decisions made involving patients, their families, and their clinicians,” Keuroghlian told Salon in a phone interview.

From Salon

“There's a lot of history of women not having bodily autonomy during pregnancy,” Chaput said.

From Salon

The final amounts for individuals are being assessed against five criteria: harm caused, social impact from stigma and isolation, impact on autonomy and private life, care costs and financial loss.

From BBC

Autonomy isn’t new to Rio’s Pilbara operations: introduction began in the late 2000s.

From BBC

Related Words

• freedom
• self-determination
• self-government
• self-rule
• sovereignty