What does "privacy" mean?

1. (being alone or secluded) the state of being away from other people so that they cannot see or hear you. 2. (personal information and data) the right to keep your personal details and life secret from companies or the government. 3. (secrecy or private matters) the act of keeping something secret or not sharing it with the public.

privacy

US //ˈpɹaɪvəsi// UK //pɹˈɪvəsi// pri·va·cy

1 being alone or secluded (n.)
B1 Intermediate

the state of being away from other people so that they cannot see or hear you.

the state of being secluded from the presence or view of others. Uncountable in this general sense.

Example

He moved to a house in the countryside to enjoy more privacy.

Example

The high garden walls were designed to ensure total privacy from the neighbors and the busy street beyond.
- seclusion
- solitude
- publicity
- exposure
2 personal information and data (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Law

the right to keep your personal details and life secret from companies or the government.

freedom from unauthorized surveillance or the disclosure of personal information by organizations or the state.

Example

You should check the privacy settings on your social media accounts.

Example

The new legislation aims to protect digital privacy by restricting how corporations collect and sell user data.
- confidentiality
- anonymity
- surveillance

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3 secrecy or private matters (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of keeping something secret or not sharing it with the public.

the quality of being confidential or kept secret from general knowledge.

Example

The two leaders met in privacy to discuss the sensitive peace treaty.

Example

The documents were handled with the utmost privacy to prevent any leaks before the official announcement.
- secrecy
- discretion
- transparency

Origin

From private + -cy.