priv ‧ a ‧ cy /ˈprɪvəsi, ˈpraɪ- $ ˈpraɪ-/ BrE AmE noun [uncountable]
[ Word Family: noun : ↑ privacy , ↑ private , ↑ privatization ; verb : ↑ privatize ; adverb : ↑ privately ; adjective : ↑ private ]
1 . the state of being able to be alone, and not seen or heard by other people:
With seven people squashed in one house, you don’t get much privacy.
2 . the state of being free from public attention:
each individual’s right to privacy
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ verbs
▪ protect somebody's privacy
Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved.
▪ ensure privacy
He had locked the door to ensure privacy.
▪ invade somebody's privacy (=try to find out personal things about them, or disturb them when they want to be alone)
She complained that the magazine had invaded her privacy by printing the photos.
▪ respect somebody's privacy (=not invade their privacy)
Show teenagers that you respect their privacy by knocking on their bedroom door.
■ phrases
▪ an invasion of privacy
Random drug testing of employees is an invasion of privacy.
▪ somebody's right to privacy
Children feel more comfortable when parents respect their right to privacy.
■ adjectives
▪ personal privacy
Some patients do not want counselling because they feel it interferes with their personal privacy.
▪ complete/total privacy
The lawn was surrounded by tall bushes, giving complete privacy.