n.
Pronunciation: ' li-b ə r-t ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ties
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free ― more at LIBERAL
Date: 14th century
1 : the quality or state of being free: a : the power to do as one pleases b : freedom from physical restraint c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges e : the power of choice
2 a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : PRIVILEGE b : permission especially to go freely within specified limits
3 : an action going beyond normal limits: as a : a breach of etiquette or propriety : FAMILIARITY b : RISK , CHANCE <took foolish liberties with his health> c : a violation of rules or a deviation from standard practice d : a distortion of fact
4 : a short authorized absence from naval duty usually for less than 48 hours
synonyms see FREEDOM
– at liberty
1 : FREE
2 : at leisure : UNOCCUPIED