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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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

In 2026 and beyond, the No Kings protests should locate themselves within a tradition of moral movements, such as the Black Freedom Struggle and civil rights movement.

From Salon

As recently as last year, it remained one of the federal government’s largest enforcers of antidiscrimination laws, with nearly 600 civil rights workers.

From Salon

In 2019, Mr Lawler was employed by Bede Academy in Northumberland, and during what was due to be a class on medieval history, he instead started to discuss American civil rights activists, the panel heard.

From BBC

The Times spoke to nine former Department of Justice civil rights attorneys tasked with investigating antisemitism complaints at the University of California.

From Los Angeles Times

The incident comes as Jewish and civil rights organizations urged precaution and vigilance during Hanukkah in light of a deadly attack in Sydney during a Hanukkah celebration.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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