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

That's why liberal groups that purport to defend civil liberties against extremism and antisemitism not only support more internet censorship but also have colluded in it. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025

While the possible deployment of a cell-site simulator at the DNC has raised more questions than answers, for privacy and civil liberties advocates, the implications are troubling nonetheless. —Dhruv Mehrotra, WIRED, 10 Jan. 2025

On Tuesday, the American Civil Liberties Union said in a statement that the passage of the bill could threaten civil liberties. —Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025

Broyles is an expert on the U.S. Constitution who cares deeply about the constitution and is focused on preserving precious civil liberties. —Rancho Santa Fe Review, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 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