noun (plural liberties)
1 [U] freedom to live as you choose without too many restrictions from government or authority:
the fight for justice and liberty * The concept of individual liberty is enshrined in the constitution.
2 [U] the state of not being a prisoner or a slave:
He had to endure six months' loss of liberty.
3 [C] the legal right and freedom to do sth:
The right to vote should be a liberty enjoyed by all. * People fear that security cameras could infringe personal liberties.
seealsoCIVILLIBERTY
4 [sing.] an act or statement that may offend or annoy sb, especially because it is done without permission or does not show respect:
He took the liberty of reading my files while I was away. * They've got a liberty, not even sending me a reply.
IDIOMS
at liberty (formal) (of a prisoner or an animal) no longer in prison or in a cage
at liberty to do sth (formal) having the right or freedom to do sth:
You are at liberty to say what you like. * I am not at liberty to discuss my client's case.
take liberties with sb/sth
1 to make important and unreasonable changes to sth, especially a book:
The movie takes considerable liberties with the novel that it is based on.
2 (old-fashioned) to be too friendly with sb, especially in a sexual way:
He's always taking liberties with the secretaries.
