Liberty
/ˈlɪb.ə.ti/noun
The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority.
Did you know?The word 'liberty' is linked to ancient rites of liberation, often involving sacrifices to deities for protection and freedom.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leig-
“to be free, to be unbound.”
Latin
Latin
libertas
“freedom, liberty, independence.”
Old French
Old French
liberté
“freedom, state of being free.”
Middle English
Middle English
liberté
“the condition of being free; exemption from bondage.”
Modern English
English
liberty
“the state of being free from oppressive restrictions.”