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

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

Idealists assume the best in others and see it as possible for countries to run the world together, with open diplomacy, freedom of the seas, free trade, and no militaries.

From Textbooks • Jul. 28, 2021

Phil Davidson, said, “I should note that the Philippines relies heavily on the freedom of the seas and the South China Sea especially.”

From Washington Times • Mar. 11, 2019

He said the U.S. military saw good opportunities to build and rebuild relationships with countries such as Vietnam, the Philippines and India, which have all realized the importance of safeguarding the freedom of the seas.

From Reuters • Mar. 17, 2016

The Government of the United States would have been certain of attaining this end had it been determined to insist against Great Britain on the incontrovertible rights to freedom of the seas.

From The Story of the Great War, Volume V (of 8) Battle of Jutland Bank; Russian Offensive; Kut-El-Amara; East Africa; Verdun; The Great Somme Drive; United States and Belligerents; Summary of Two Years' War by Churchill, Allen L. (Allen Leon)