human rights

American  

[hyoo-muhn rahyts, yoo‑] / ˈhyu mən ˈraɪts, ˈyu‑ /

plural noun

1. fundamental rights, especially those believed to belong to an individual and in whose exercise a government may not interfere, as the rights to speak, associate, work, etc.

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human rights British  

plural noun

1. the rights of individuals to liberty, justice, etc

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human rights Cultural  

1. Freedom from arbitrary interference or restriction by governments. The term encompasses largely the same rights called civil liberties or civil rights but often suggests rights that have not been recognized.

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Political leaders in the United States often use the expression when speaking of rights violated by other nations.

Etymology

Origin of human rights

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

"It is the asylum visa...it is on human rights and it is called gay case or same sex. There is no hope for any other visa."

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

In a draft email, that the prosecution said was recovered from this phone, he said he was a "human rights activist" who had been arrested in Kuwait.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Three human rights groups called on Leo last week to push the issue during his visit.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

These numbers reflect concerns over military conduct, human rights and U.S. foreign policy, not hatred toward Jewish people.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

Before he died, Dr. King had told us we had moved from the Civil Rights era to the human rights era.

From "While the World Watched: A Birmingham Bombing Survivor Comes of Age during the Civil Rights Movement" by Carolyn Maull McKinstry

Related Words

• civil rights