civil liberty

American  

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.

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civil liberty British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of civil liberty

First recorded in 1635–45

Example Sentences

But critics warn this could come at the cost of civil liberties and free speech.

From BBC

Sophia Cope, of digital rights organisation the Electronic Frontier Foundation, criticised the plan, telling the New York Times that it could "exacerbate civil liberties harms".

From BBC

Following her first stint as an elected representative, she continued to crusade for various causes, including civil liberties and better social-welfare programs for women and children.

From The Wall Street Journal

However, civil liberties campaign group Big Brother Watch branded the scheme "Orwellian" and urged MPs to reject plans.

From BBC

If there was an issue on the vanguard of civil liberties, the fund and its directors were aware and considering it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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