privacy

American  

[prahy-vuh-see, priv-uh-see] / ˈpraɪ və si, ˈprɪv ə si /

noun

plural

privacies

1. the state of being apart from other people or concealed from their view; solitude; seclusion.

   Please leave the room and give me some privacy.

2. the state of being free from unwanted or undue intrusion or disturbance in one's private life or affairs; freedom to be let alone.

   Tourists must respect the tribe’s privacy.

   Those who wish to smoke can do so in the privacy of their own homes.

3. freedom from damaging publicity, public scrutiny, secret surveillance, or unauthorized disclosure of one’s personal data or information, as by a government, corporation, or individual.

   Ordinary citizens have a qualified right to privacy.

   There is so much information about us online that personal privacy may be a thing of the past.

4. the state of being concealed; secrecy.

   Before he told us of his plans, he insisted on total privacy.

5. Archaic. Usually privacies a personal matter that is concealed; a secret.

6. Archaic. a private or secluded place.

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privacy British  

/ ˈpraɪvəsɪ, ˈprɪvəsɪ /

noun

1. the condition of being private or withdrawn; seclusion

2. the condition of being secret; secrecy

3. philosophy the condition of being necessarily restricted to a single person

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Related Words

Privacy, secrecy, isolation, and sequestration all refer to keeping someone or something protected or hidden from others. Privacy and secrecy are particularly concerned with preventing others from knowing about one's actions, thoughts, and communications. In general, secrecy implies that people who are not directly involved in a matter are completely unaware of it; whereas privacy implies only that those who are not involved, though aware of the matter, are prevented from knowing the details. For example, a teenager might keep a private diary, which her parents know about but which is kept locked so that they cannot read it, or a secret diary, the very existence of which is kept hidden from her parents. Or the leaders of two countries might meet in private, meaning that the fact of the meeting might be widely known but only the leaders themselves know what they said to each other; but if they want to meet in secret, they take steps to prevent the general public from finding out that the meeting took place at all. Isolation and sequestration generally signify physical separation. In contrast to privacy and secrecy, which are usually sought by the individuals involved, isolation and sequestration are often imposed by others. For example, a vulnerable medical patient might be kept in isolation to protect him from acquiring an infection through contact with others, or a prisoner might be placed in isolation —that is, in solitary confinement—as punishment for an infraction. Sequestration can refer to things as well as to people, and is most often used to specify separation in technical or legal contexts: Carbon sequestration in the coal industry can potentially alleviate the problem of global warming; Sequestration of the jury she was serving on kept her away from her family for weeks; Until its leaders comply with international agreements, sequestration of that nation's overseas bank accounts will remain in effect. One wants to keep one's secrets secret, and as well, keep many aspects of one's life private. But the ability of powerful corporations, government intelligence agencies, online stores, social media, or even individual thieves to reach and probe into our personal communications, buying habits, financial resources, circle of friends, and general lifestyle poses threats to one's privacy. Fortunately, for most people, reasonable precautions are usually enough to allow them to engage in normal activities without great worry.

Etymology

Origin of privacy

First recorded in 1400–50, privacy is from the late Middle English word privace. See private, -acy

Explanation

When you're away from the prying eyes of others, you have privacy — you're alone, secluded, and not in the public eye. Sometimes you just don't want to be bothered by anyone, so you seek a place where you can be alone with your thoughts, free from distractions or intrusions. When that's the case, you are seeking privacy: private space and time away from others. Privacy has always been an issue for celebrities, who are followed around by photographers. If you value your privacy, don't run for office: politicians give up their privacy when they run for election.

Example Sentences

It said it was co-operating with authorities and the US embassy, but declined to comment further citing privacy concerns and the need to protect the integrity of the investigations.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

“You’re absolutely right, that does sound like a serious privacy concern,” Gemini replied.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 14, 2026

Citing privacy laws, Ward said he couldn’t comment on individual situations.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 14, 2026

The dwelling is located on a lush 1.32-acre tree-lined plot, with the natural foliage that surrounds the home helping to add an extra layer of privacy, creating an oasis-like environment in the backyard.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

“We have more privacy here. What a surprise. Where have you been, Lizzie, and how are you and Jakob doing? Do you have news?”

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin