/ ˌɪndɪˈpendəns; NAmE / noun [ U ]
1.
independence (from sb/sth) ( of a country ) freedom from political control by other countries :
Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898.
2.
the time when a country gains freedom from political control by another country :
independence celebrations
the first elections since independence
3.
the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people :
He values his independence.
a woman's financial independence
OPP dependence
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from independent , partly on the pattern of French indépendance .