Give me liberty or give me death

Cultural

Words from a speech by Patrick Henry urging the American colonies to revolt against England. Henry spoke only a few weeks before the Revolutionary War began: “Gentlemen may cry Peace, Peace, but there is no peace. The war is actually begun. The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms. Our brethren are already in the field…. Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!”

Example Sentences

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Her speech came 246 years after fellow Virginian Patrick Henry declared "Give me liberty or give me death" during the Second Virginia Convention in Richmond, 125 miles to the south of Loudoun.

From Fox News • Jun. 10, 2021

"Give me liberty or give me death," a quote harkening back to the American Revolution has also been a popular mantra.

From BBC • Apr. 20, 2020

Duly Noted: On this date in 1775, Patrick Henry called for America's independence from Britain, telling the Virginia Provincial Convention, "Give me liberty, or give me death!"

From US News • Mar. 23, 2015

Free speech isn't just "Give me liberty or give me death"; it's not just "I have a dream."

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2010

In the churchyard of historic old Saint John's, that once echoed to the words of Patrick Henry, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

From Literary Hearthstones of Dixie by Pickett, La Salle Corbell

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023