n. 1 the condition of being free or unrestricted. 2 personal or civic liberty; absence of slave status. 3 the power of self-determination; independence of fate or necessity. 4 the state of being free to act (often foll. by to + infin. : we have the freedom to leave). 5 frankness, outspokenness; undue familiarity. 6 (foll. by from) the condition of being exempt from or not subject to (a defect, burden, etc.). 7 (foll. by of) a full or honorary participation in (membership, privileges, etc.). b unrestricted use of (facilities etc.). 8 a privilege possessed by a city or corporation. 9 facility or ease in action. 10 boldness of conception. the four freedoms freedom of speech and religion, and freedom from fear and want. freedom fighter a person who takes part in violent resistance to an established political system etc.
[ OE freodom (as FREE, -DOM) ]