civil rights

American  

[siv-uhl rahyts] / ˈsɪv əl ˈraɪts /

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.

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civil rights British  

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

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civil rights Cultural  

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.

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Discover More

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.

Etymology

Origin of civil rights

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Those investigations could result in discipline or charges, including for civil rights violations.

From Salon

On Wednesday, Dhillon posted an image on social media and wrote, “Launching a series of civil rights investigations. Another day in paradise!”

From The Wall Street Journal

On Thursday, Dhillon — the department’s top civil rights chief — posted to X about the probes: “We did this yesterday. Among other things!”

From Los Angeles Times

She, like many in that movement, considered civil rights leader Cesar Chavez an icon.

From Salon

But over time, naming things after the labor leader became shorthand for honoring Latino civil rights and activism.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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