autonomy

[aw-ton-uh-mee]

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.

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

Other Word Forms

• autonomist 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

Clasby’s attorney wrote in the lawsuit that this undermined her autonomy and made “her feel as if her boss felt her husband owned her and made decisions for her.”

From Los Angeles Times

He also has a special vendetta against the bodily autonomy of women, especially pregnant women.

From Salon

But since 2019, both communities have joined together in demanding the restoration of statehood for Ladakh, along with greater autonomy which would give them job and land quotas.

From BBC

Every generation scuffles for something: suffrage, equality, autonomy, decent health, fair pay, even the right to keep on fighting.

From Los Angeles Times

Money is not taboo, but neither is it sacred: it is a tool for autonomy.

From BBC

Related Words

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