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

Ultimately, the future of AI in law enforcement is about enhancing public safety without compromising civil liberties. —David Ly, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024

Harris could reshape the judiciary, appointing judges supportive of expanding civil liberties and environmental protections. —Axios, 15 Oct. 2024

The new classification noted the erosion in judicial and legislative constraints on the government, along with less protection of civil liberties. —Michal Ben-Josef Hirsch, The Conversation, 24 July 2024

For instance, the misuse of AI in surveillance or decision-making processes can lead to breaches of privacy and civil liberties. —Tyler Shepherd, USA TODAY, 26 Sep. 2024

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