freedom of the seas

American  

noun

International Law.

1. the doctrine that ships of neutral countries may sail anywhere on the high seas without interference by warring powers.

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freedom of the seas British  

noun

1. the right of ships of all nations to sail the high seas in peacetime

2. (in wartime) the immunity accorded to neutral ships from attack

3. the exclusive jurisdiction possessed by a state over its own ships sailing the high seas in peacetime

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Etymology

Origin of freedom of the seas

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

Gilday said it’s in all of their political, social and economic interest to ensure freedom of the seas.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2021

Phil Davidson, said, “I should note that the Philippines relies heavily on the freedom of the seas and the South China Sea especially.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 11, 2019

He said the U.S. military saw good opportunities to build and rebuild relationships with countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and India, which have all realized the importance of safeguarding the freedom of the seas.

From Reuters • Mar. 17, 2016

"The US is going to argue that it needs to continually demonstrate the freedom of the seas," says Mr Chipman.

From BBC • May 28, 2015

I wished also to induce the Government of the United States to take energetic proceedings against England, with the object of translating into fact its idea of the freedom of the seas.

From My Three Years in America by Bernstorff, Johann Heinrich Andreas Hermann Albrecht Graf von