human rights

[hyoo-muhn rahyts, yoo‑]

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.

human rights

plural noun

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

human rights

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.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of human rights¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Related Words

• civil rights