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

Morgan Stanley analysts told clients Monday that they remain overweight the European defense sector, as the latest tariff threats demonstrate the continent’s need to beef up its security and strategic autonomy.

From MarketWatch

Analysts said the deal marked a blow for the minority's long-held ambitions of preserving the de facto autonomy they had exercised in swathes of north and northeast Syria for over a decade.

From Barron's

A loss of Fed autonomy could spook investors further.

From The Wall Street Journal

But each was physical evidence of a larger transformation, a flag planted at the place where growth, possibility and autonomy converge.

From Salon

“I didn’t want to be codependent. I didn’t want to be an enabler. I wanted there to be autonomy for this human being.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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