freedom of the seas

noun

, International Law.

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

freedom of the seas

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of freedom of the seas¹

First recorded in 1915–20