civil rights

[siv-uhl rahyts]

plural noun

(often initial capital letters)

1. rights to personal liberty established by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and certain Congressional acts, especially as applied to an individual or a minority group.

2. the rights to full legal, social, and economic equality extended to African Americans.

civil rights

plural noun

1. the personal rights of the individual citizen, in most countries upheld by law, as in the US

2. (modifier) of, relating to, or promoting equality in social, economic, and political rights

civil rights

1. A broad range of privileges and rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and subsequent amendments and laws that guarantee fundamental freedoms to all individuals. These freedoms include the rights of free expression and action (civil liberties); the right to enter into contracts, own property, and initiate lawsuits; the rights of due process and equal protection of the laws; opportunities in education and work; the freedom to live, travel, and use public facilities wherever one chooses; and the right to participate in the democratic political system.

Efforts to redress the situation of inequality, such as the civil rights movement and the women's movement, have resulted in legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in affirmative action, and in the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil rights¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

But according to AP, the agency will stop some grant making for local schools as well as civil rights investigations.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Mahon recalled attending the civil rights protest and, when trouble broke out, seeking refuge in Glenfada Park North with a group of about 40 others.

From BBC

The decision has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and some members of Congress, who argue that kneeling during a protest does not equate to a violation of the oath to uphold the law.

From Salon

After his presidency, Republican leaders steadily polished his memory into a symbol of conservative triumph, downplaying scandals such as Iran-Contra or Reagan’s early skepticism of civil rights.

From Salon

She credits conversations around the breakfast table with her husband and father-in-law, both prominent civil rights lawyers, with inspiring her to pursue a law career.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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