autonomy

[ aw-ton-uh-mee ]

noun

, plural au·ton·o·mies.

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.

autonomy

/ 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

Derived Forms

• auˈtonomist, noun

Other Words From

• au·tono·mist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of autonomy¹

C17: from Greek autonomia freedom to live by one's own laws; see autonomous

Example Sentences

Islamic State brought “peace, autonomy, zero corruption, low crime-rate,” he Tweeted last month.

From The Daily Beast

“Gardens can provide kids with disabilities a greater level of autonomy,” said Fried.

From The Daily Beast

Liberal learning is said to prepare one for autonomy and for citizenship.

From The Daily Beast

But now that the company is giving her more autonomy, she pitches content as often as they pitch to her.

From The Daily Beast

The point at which autonomy should be handed over to the child is less clear when parenting children with cognitive disabilities.

From The Daily Beast

The Jursans, it developed, would give up demands for autonomy and resume allegiance to the Empire.

From Project Gutenberg

Moreover, the greater part of the Phnician towns enjoyed, under the Seleucid, a certain autonomy favourable to their industry.

From Project Gutenberg

The victory of craft autonomy over the "one big union" was decisive and complete.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not, however, open to much doubt that the Department was not a very successful custodian of the trade autonomy principle.

From Project Gutenberg

In the same capacity they exercise a degree of local autonomy greater than that which is vested in the communes of France.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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