Freedom
'friːdəm
Definitions
3 meaningsThe state of not being imprisoned or enslaved; the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.
'friːdəm
The power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants.
The people fought for their freedom from oppression.
💡 Simply: Freedom is like when you get to choose what you do, say, and think. Imagine you can decide what games you play, what you eat, or where you go – that's feeling free! For instance, if you want to write a story, nobody can stop you, it's a freedom to express yourself.
👶 For kids: When you can do what you want and nobody tells you what to do, that's freedom! Like playing outside whenever you want!
More Examples
She felt a sense of freedom after leaving her restrictive job.
We must protect the freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.
How It's Used
"The protesters demanded freedom of speech."
"She cherished her freedom to travel and explore new places."
The state of being released from confinement or control.
'friːdəm
The absence of confinement or physical restraint.
The prisoner tasted freedom after twenty years.
💡 Simply: Imagine a bird that's been kept in a cage. Suddenly, the door opens, and the bird can fly wherever it wants. That feeling of being free from a cage or a constraint is freedom! For instance, if your bike broke, and you had to wait for it to be fixed, and finally, you got it back, riding that bike feels like freedom!
👶 For kids: Being out of something that keeps you from doing what you want to do. Like when the door of a cage opens, and the bird can fly away.
More Examples
The dog's freedom from the leash was immediately apparent as it ran.
After the war, the nation celebrated its hard-won freedom.
How It's Used
"Prisoners eagerly anticipated their freedom from captivity."
"The dog barked with joy upon its freedom from the leash."
Exemption or immunity from something undesirable.
'friːdəm
The quality or state of being exempt from the control or restriction of a specific thing or person.
The diet provided freedom from unhealthy food choices.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, freedom means being free from something bad or something you don't like. Imagine you have a toothache, and the dentist fixes it! The freedom of not having a toothache is wonderful. For instance, if you were scared of the dark, and you finally overcame that fear, you feel the freedom that comes with that.
👶 For kids: It means not having to do something you don't like anymore. Like not having to wear shoes.
More Examples
The app gives you freedom from social media distractions.
She found freedom from her worries by meditating.
How It's Used
"The patient achieved freedom from pain through medication."
"The company offered its employees freedom from unnecessary bureaucratic rules."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Freedom of speech
The right to express one's opinions publicly without fear of censorship or punishment.
"Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many democracies."
Free as a bird
Feeling completely free and uninhibited.
"After quitting her job, she felt free as a bird."
From Old English *frēodom, a compound of *frēo ('free') and *dōm ('judgment, condition'). It originally signified a state of being free, liberty, or the power to do as one pleases.
The concept of freedom has been central to human thought and action throughout history. Its meaning has evolved, influenced by philosophical, political, and social movements.
Memory tip
Think of a bird soaring freely in the sky – that's freedom!
Word Origin
"free"