liberties
n. C / UThe new law protects our civil liberties.
The protesters argued that the mandatory curfew was an infringement on their personal liberties.
While the constitution guarantees fundamental liberties, the court must often balance these individual rights against the collective security requirements of the state during times of national crisis.
Usage
Usually plural when referring to specific rights; singular 'liberty' is more common for the abstract concept of freedom.
Pitfall
The government took many libertyThe government took many libertiesWhen referring to specific rights or the idiom 'to take liberties', the plural form is required.
Last updated June 17, 2026