lib·er·ty
(l
b
r-t
)
KEY
NOUN:
pl.
lib·er·ties
-
- The condition of being free from restriction or control.
- The right and power to act, believe, or express oneself in a manner of one's own choosing.
- The condition of being physically and legally free from confinement, servitude, or forced labor. See Synonyms at freedom.
- Freedom from unjust or undue governmental control.
- A right or immunity to engage in certain actions without control or interference:
the liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
-
- A breach or overstepping of propriety or social convention. Often used in the plural.
- A statement, attitude, or action not warranted by conditions or actualities:
a historical novel that takes liberties with chronology.
- An unwarranted risk; a chance:
took foolish liberties on the ski slopes.
- A period, usually short, during which a sailor is authorized to go ashore.
IDIOM:
at liberty
- Not in confinement or under constraint; free.
- Not employed, occupied, or in use.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English
liberte, from Old French, from Latin
l
bert
s, from
lber,
free; see
leudh- in Indo-European roots
