civil liberty

noun

plural civil liberties

: freedom from arbitrary interference in one's speech or actions by other individuals or by the government especially as constitutionally guaranteed (as by the U.S. Bill of Rights)

—usually plural

Examples of civil liberties include freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of assembly, freedom of the press, the right to privacy, and the right to due process of law.

—Ramon Martin

compare civil rights

civil libertarian noun

plural civil libertarians

Civil libertarians contend that the heightened scrutiny has discouraged illegal immigrants from seeking marriage, … a fundamental right protected under the Constitution.

—Randy Kennedy

civil libertarian adjective

… continued divisions within the GOP on civil libertarian issues.

—Ian Duncan and Lisa Mascaro

Examples of civil liberty in a Sentence

Freedom of speech is a civil liberty.

Recent Examples on the Web

As advocates push for his release, Khalil's case has become a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement and civil liberties. —Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025

Beyond the issue of civil liberties is the seemingly ascendant role of the secretary of state. —Nate Iglehart, The Christian Science Monitor, 12 Mar. 2025

An alliance of gay rights leaders and civil liberties advocates was initially able to prevent health departments from undertaking named HIV surveillance. —Amy Lauren Fairchild, The Conversation, 11 Mar. 2025

Nevertheless, the delicate balance between health and civil liberties shows how intractable health problems can be. —Edna Bonhomme, Rolling Stone, 11 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Legal Definition

civil liberty

noun

: freedom from arbitrary interference in one's pursuits (as in expressing thoughts, practicing a religion, or pursuing a living) by individuals or especially by the government and especially as constitutionally guaranteed

—usually used in pl. see also civil right