free thought

noun

1. thought unrestrained by deference to authority, tradition, or established belief, especially in matters of religion.

free thought

noun

1. thought unrestrained and uninfluenced by dogma or authority, esp in religious matters

Word History and Origins

Origin of free thought¹

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

Policy scarcely matters, and one wonders if free thought is on the endangered list, too.

From Seattle Times

They despise free thought and independence, and are happy to play games with a government shutdown — the modern equivalent of fiddling while it all burns.

From Salon

If wiser heads prevail in this debacle, the initiative to close Columbia County’s library system and the cringeworthy push to throttle free thought will end after next week’s hearing.

From Seattle Times

“Robbing children of the chance to find their voices in literature is a violation of their right to free thought and free speech.”

From New York Times

Robbing children of the chance to find their voices in literature is a violation of their right to free thought and free speech.

From Los Angeles Times