libertarian

[ lib-er-tair-ee-uhn ]

noun

1. a follower of a political philosophy or party that advocates individual liberty achieved by limiting the power of a central government:

   Whether left- or right-leaning, libertarians generally oppose taxation and support free trade.

2. a person who advocates liberty, especially with regard to thought or conduct.
3. a person who maintains the doctrine of free will ( necessitarian ).

adjective

1. of or relating to a political philosophy or party that advocates individual liberty achieved by limiting the power of a central government:

   libertarian views;

   a libertarian economist.

2. advocating or conforming to the principles of liberty.
3. maintaining the doctrine of free will.

libertarian

/ ˌlɪbəˈtɛərɪən /

noun

1. a believer in freedom of thought, expression, etc
2. See determinism
   philosophy a believer in the doctrine of free will Compare determinism

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of a libertarian

Derived Forms

• ˌliberˈtarianism, noun

Other Words From

• lib·er·tar·i·an·ism noun
• an·ti·lib·er·tar·i·an adjective noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of libertarian¹

First recorded in 1780–90; libert(y) + -arian

Word History and Origins

Origin of libertarian¹

C18: from liberty

Example Sentences

To this day, almost all of the most popular talk hosts are conservative or libertarian.

From Washington Post

Alameda officials seemingly caved in to Musk’s libertarian defiance, announcing on May 13 that it would approve Tesla’s plan to reopen the plant—after Tesla already had done so.

From Fortune

While most other crypto founders are steeped in Silicon Valley and libertarian culture, Paxos CEO Chad Cascarilla cut his professional teeth at Goldman Sachs and Bank of America.

From Fortune

For years blockchain technologies have been the domain of the libertarian right, but they’re starting to get more attention on the left — specifically, from socialists.

From Ozy

This perception is another legacy of the 2017 Bitcoin boom when digital miners—who typically share the libertarian, borderless worldview of the larger crypto community—took towns across the country for a ride.

From Fortune

Out of step with his own party, the libertarian-leaning senator plays to his original base.

From The Daily Beast

Cruz is a co-sponsor of the bill, along with libertarian-minded Sen. Mike Lee.

From The Daily Beast

I agree with you, but the youthful energy in the libertarian movement foresees a tipping point.

From The Daily Beast

Had there not been a Libertarian in the race who received over 8,000 votes, Shumlin likely would have lost.

From The Daily Beast

Some Tea Party types who felt that Republican Scott Milne was too moderate supported the Libertarian.

From The Daily Beast

The case has been conceded to him in advance, and the libertarian can only flinch from his logic.

From Project Gutenberg

So far I concede the Libertarian contention as to the demoralising effect of Determinism, if held with a real force of conviction.

From Project Gutenberg

At the same time, the difference between Determinist and Libertarian Justice can hardly have any practical effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Even in this country, I don't think libertarian principles could long survive.

From Project Gutenberg

It is chiefly on the Libertarian side that I find a tendency to the exaggeration of which I have just spoken.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• autonomous
• constitutional
• egalitarian
• free
• orderly
• popular