freedom of the seas

American  

noun

International Law.

1. the doctrine that ships of neutral countries may sail anywhere on the high seas without interference by warring powers.

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freedom of the seas British  

noun

1. the right of ships of all nations to sail the high seas in peacetime

2. (in wartime) the immunity accorded to neutral ships from attack

3. the exclusive jurisdiction possessed by a state over its own ships sailing the high seas in peacetime

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Etymology

Origin of freedom of the seas

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

American efforts to secure free passage through the Strait of Hormuz also continue a long-established support for freedom of the seas.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026

Ultimately he thinks that a "some kind of deal" is the only way to restore the freedom of the seas that the health of the global economy relies on.

From BBC • Mar. 10, 2026

Gilday said it’s in all of their political, social and economic interest to ensure freedom of the seas.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 15, 2021

State Secretary Antony Blinken said freedom of the seas was an "enduring" interest of all nations.

From Reuters • Jul. 12, 2021

Eight years later it was England that was carrying on a struggle for the principle of freedom of the seas.

From The Unpopular Review, Number 19 July-December 1918 by Various