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.
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Etymology: OE freodom (as FREE, -DOM)