liberty

Universal Words 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.