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

Gang databases have long been criticized for civil liberties violations, lack of due process, and the collateral consequences of being labeled a gang member—concerns that only multiply when deportation is the result. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 21 Mar. 2025

Eliminating the offices silences those who provide a critical review of DHS policies or serve as an outlet for those to flag civil liberties concerns with U.S. policies. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 21 Mar. 2025

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties advises the department on civil liberties and rights matters, while investigating and addressing complaints. —Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 21 Mar. 2025

In the Charlotte area: ACLU of North Carolina: A nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that works to protect civil liberties across the state. —Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 17 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