definitions

libertarian

[ lib-er-tair-ee-uh n ]
/ ˌlɪb ərˈtɛər i ən /
|

noun

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

adjective

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

RELATED CONTENT

Deep StateRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Nearby words

liberec, liberia, liberian, liberius, libero, libertarian, libertas, liberticide, libertine, libertinism, liberty

Origin of libertarian

First recorded in 1780–90; libert(y) + -arian
Related formslib·er·tar·i·an·ism, nounan·ti·lib·er·tar·i·an, adjective, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for libertarianism

British Dictionary definitions for libertarianism

libertarian

/ (ˌlɪbəˈtɛərɪən) /

noun

a believer in freedom of thought, expression, etc
philosophy a believer in the doctrine of free willCompare determinism

adjective

of, relating to, or characteristic of a libertarian
Derived Formslibertarianism, noun

Word Origin for libertarian

C18: from liberty
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for libertarianism

libertarian

n.

1789, "one who holds the doctrine of free will" (opposed to necessitarian), from liberty (q.v.) on model of unitarian, etc. Political sense of "person advocating liberty in thought and conduct" is from 1878. As an adjective by 1882. U.S. Libertarian Party founded in Colorado, 1971.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper