expression

civil liberties

individual freedoms protected from government interference

In more detail

The basic rights and freedoms that all people should have, such as freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to a fair trial.

Examples

Civil liberties organizations work to protect people's right to vote and speak freely.

How to use civil liberties

Civil liberties refers to the legal and constitutional protections that safeguard individual freedoms from government interference, typically within a specific nation's legal system. The term is often used in legal, political, and advocacy contexts when discussing rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and due process. It differs slightly from human rights, which has a broader international scope, and from civil rights, which traditionally emphasizes protection from discrimination.

Common phrases

civil liberties organization
civil liberties union
defend civil liberties
protect civil liberties
violation of civil liberties
civil liberties issues

Synonyms

fundamental rights · basic freedoms · human rights · constitutional rights · individual liberties

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse civil liberties with civil rights; civil liberties are freedoms from government restriction, while civil rights concern equal treatment and protection from discrimination.

Learn it for good

Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.

Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD