freedom

free|dom

W2S2 [ˈfri:dəm] n

1.) [U and C]

the right to do what you want without being controlled or restricted by anyone

→↑liberty

▪ People here like their freedom and privacy.

▪ the rights and freedoms of citizens

freedom to do sth

▪ We do not have the freedom to do just what we like.

▪ the freedom to vote

freedom of speech/expression/choice etc

(=the legal right to say what you want, choose your own religion etc)

▪ The First Amendment guarantees freedom of expression.

individual/personal freedom

▪ The government was accused of using the law to restrict individual freedom

press/academic/political etc freedom

2.) [U]

the state of being free and allowed to do what you want

▪ Kids have too much freedom these days.

▪ The teachers are given complete freedom in their choice of teaching methods.

freedom to do sth

▪ The wheelchair gives him the freedom to go out on his own.

▪ Tracksuits are designed to give you freedom of movement .

3.) [U]

the state of being free because you are not in prison

≠ ↑captivity, imprisonment ↑imprisonment

▪ The prisoner was recaptured after only 48 hours of freedom.

4.) freedom from sth

the state of not being affected by something that makes you worried, unhappy, afraid etc

freedom from fear/pain/worry etc

▪ The contraceptive pill gave women freedom from the fear of pregnancy.

5.) freedom of choice

the right or ability to choose whatever you want to do or have

▪ The new satellite TV channels offer viewers greater freedom of choice.

6.) freedom of information

the legal right of people in some countries to see information which the government has about people and organizations

7.) freedom of the city

in Britain, an honour given by a city to someone who has done something special