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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Example Sentences

Porter and Thurmond called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement to be abolished but said, short of that, the state should monitor the federal agency’s operations in the state to protect civil liberties.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Its tactics have drawn heavy criticism from many Democrats, civil liberties groups and NGOs.

From BBC • Mar. 21, 2026

“I think one of the civil liberties of this country that’s most important is the government does not spy without, you know, warrants and good legal process on its own citizens,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

NGOs and civil society groups regularly condemn violations of civil liberties and threats against political opponents.

From Barron's • Feb. 28, 2026

They abhorred McCarthy’s witch hunts for communists and his attacks on civil liberties.

From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield

Related Words

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