liberty

Definitions


[ˈlɪbəti], (Noun)

Definitions:
- the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behaviour, or political views
(e.g: compulsory retirement would interfere with individual liberty)

- the power or scope to act as one pleases
(e.g: individuals should enjoy the liberty to pursue their own preferences)

- a presumptuous remark or action
(e.g: how did he know what she was thinking?—it was a liberty!)


Phrases:
- at liberty
- take liberties
- take the liberty

Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French liberte, from Latin libertas, from liber ‘free’




definition by Oxford Dictionaries