autonomy

American  

[aw-ton-uh-mee] / ɔˈtɒn ə mi /

noun

plural

autonomies

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.

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autonomy British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• autonomist noun

Etymology

Origin of autonomy

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

Example Sentences

Muslim nationalist groups such as the Moro National Liberation Front and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front for decades fought guerrilla wars for a degree of autonomy from the predominantly Christian Philippines.

From The Wall Street Journal

Its “lack of autonomy and fragmented authority,” the motion said, “currently undermines its ability to coordinate emergency management effectively.”

From Los Angeles Times

Ryan believed she had reached a society where autonomy was protected.

From The Wall Street Journal

It includes contacts with American officials as he tried to rally support for the autonomy that China promised Hong Kong when Britain transferred power in 1997.

From The Wall Street Journal

For all his acknowledgments about the importance of human autonomy, I finished this book with the very phrase “choice architect” making my blood run cold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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