/ ˈlɪbəti; NAmE -bərti/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ U ] freedom to live as you choose without too many restrictions from government or authority :
the fight for justice and liberty
2.
[ U ] the state of not being a prisoner or a slave :
He had to endure six months' loss of liberty.
3.
[ C ] the legal right and freedom to do sth :
The right to vote should be a liberty enjoyed by all.
People fear that security cameras could infringe personal liberties.
—see also civil liberty
4.
[ sing. ] an act or a statement that may offend or annoy sb, especially because it is done without permission or does not show respect :
He took the liberty of reading my files while I was away.
They've got a liberty, not even sending me a reply.
•
IDIOMS
- at liberty
- at liberty to do sth
- take liberties with sb/sth
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French liberte , from Latin libertas , from liber free.