independence

Universal Words noun [U] 1 ~ (from sb/sth) (of a country) freedom from political control by other countries: Cuba gained independence from Spain in 1898. 2 the time when a country became politically independent: independence celebrations * the first elections since independence 3 the freedom to organize your own life, make your own decisions, etc. without needing help from other people: He values his independence. * a woman's financial independence OPPDEPENDENCE