civil liberties

Cultural  

1. In general, the rights to freedom of thought, expression, and action, and the protection of these rights from government interference or restriction. Civil liberties are the hallmark of liberal, democratic “free” societies. In the United States, the Bill of Rights guarantees a variety of civil liberties, most notably freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, freedom of religion, and freedom of speech, expressed in the First Amendment (see also First Amendment). (See civil rights.)

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civil liberties

Their objections centered on privacy and civil liberties, as well as fears the technology could be misused, the analysis found.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

For some Americans, the attacks have become inseparable from the wars and broader official willingness to sacrifice civil liberties in the name of security that followed.

From Salon ● Sep. 8, 2026

Since the coup, the West African nation has seen a crackdown on many civil liberties.

From BBC ● Aug. 26, 2026

“There are some severe civil liberties infringements going on,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 2, 2026

“So people’s civil liberties can go to hell so long as we’re safe, yeah?”

From "Here to Stay" by Sara Farizan

Related Words

• freedom
• freedom of religion
• freedom of speech
• human rights