civil liberty

noun

1. the freedom of a citizen to exercise customary rights, as of speech or assembly, without unwarranted or arbitrary interference by the government.

2. such a right as guaranteed by the laws of a country, as in the U.S. by the Bill of Rights.

civil liberty

noun

1. the right of an individual to certain freedoms of speech and action

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil liberty¹

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

Local news outlets quickly reported the dispute, with Portland and Chicago residents weighing concerns about safety, civil liberties, and the optics of armed troops patrolling their cities.

From Salon

This infuriated the US administration, with Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, describing it as a "clear and egregious violation of Americans' privacy and civil liberties".

From BBC

The bureau has not specified whether additional disciplinary actions are expected, but the decision is already fueling debate over civil liberties, agency culture, and the boundaries of employee expression in federal service.

From Salon

The Liberal Democrats and others raise concerns about privacy and civil liberties.

From BBC

The federal use of military drones at the Los Angeles anti-ICE protests in June has drawn strong criticism from civil liberties groups and politicians alike, with critics calling the practice “unconstitutional” and “dangerous.”

From Salon

Related Words

• civil rights 
• freedom 
• freedom of religion 
• freedom of speech