liberty

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♦ lib|er|ty /l'ɪbərti/ (liberties)
1 [N-VAR]
Liberty is the freedom to live your life in the way that you want, without interference from other people or the authorities.
Wit Wolzek claimed the legislation could impinge on privacy, self determination and respect for religious liberty...
Such a system would be a fundamental blow to the rights and liberties of the English people.
see also civil liberties
= freedom
2 [N-UNCOUNT] oft at N
Liberty is the freedom to go wherever you want, which you lose when you are a prisoner.
Why not say that three convictions before court for stealing cars means three months' loss of liberty...
3 [PHRASE] PHR to-inf, usu v-link PHR
If someone is at liberty to do something, they have been given permission to do it.
The island's in the Pacific Ocean; I'm not at liberty to say exactly where, because we're still negotiating for its purchase.
= able
4 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR -ing
If you say that you have taken the liberty of doing something, you are saying that you have done it without asking permission. People say this when they do not think that anyone will mind what they have done.
I took the liberty of going into Assunta's wardrobe, as it was open; I was looking for a towel.
5 [PHRASE] V and N inflect, oft PHR with n
If you take liberties or take a liberty with someone or something, you act in a way that is too free and does not show enough respect.
Try and retain the excitement of the event in your writing, without taking liberties with the truth...
She knew she was taking a big liberty in developing Mick's photos without his knowledge.

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