freedom English · revision 2790

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=compound|attested=c. 888}}

+

+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: /ˈfriː.dəm/^(Roach et al. 2011)

+

+ ==Etymology==

+ It is [[inh|enm|fredom]],^(MWU 2024) [[inh|ang|frēodōm|t=power of self-determination, free will; emancipation, deliverance]],^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[m|ang|frēo]], the source of [[free]], and [[m|ang|-dōm]], the source of [[-dom]].^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024)^(SOED 2002) Old Frisian fridom, Dutch vrijdom and Middle Low German vridom are similar formations.^(Etymonline)

+

+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ The power of self-determination, free will: about 888.^(OED 1989)^(Etymonline) Emancipation from slavery is also Old English.^(Etymonline)^(SOED 2002)

+

+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ Figurative liberation from the bondage of sin is from about 1050,^(OED 1989) and exemption or release from slavery or imprisonment, personal liberty, from about 1230.^(OED 1989) Exemption from arbitrary or despotic control, civil liberty and independence, is from the late 14th century (1375).^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989) In Middle English freedom also meant nobility of character, generosity, now obsolete.^(OED 1989) Liberty of action without hindrance is from about 1400,^(OED 1989) and the possession of particular privileges, as in ''the freedom of a city'', from the 1570s.^(Etymonline) ''Freedom fighter'' is by 1903, first with reference to Cuba,^(Etymonline) and Franklin D. Roosevelt's ''four freedoms'' are from 1941.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Timeline==

+ * c. 888 – free will.^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1050 – liberation from sin.^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1230 – release from slavery; personal liberty.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1375 – civil liberty, independence.^(OED 1989)

+ * c. 1400 – liberty of action.^(OED 1989)

+ * 1570s – the freedom of a city.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1903 – ''freedom fighter''.^(Etymonline)

+ * 1941 – the ''four freedoms''.^(OED 1989)

+

+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # The condition of being free of restraints; the power to act, speak or think as one wants.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Release from slavery, imprisonment or [[oppression]]; personal [[liberty]].^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Political [[independence]]; the possession of civil rights.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # Exemption from something unpleasant: ''freedom from fear''.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+ # A special privilege, such as honorary citizenship: ''the freedom of the city''.^(AHD)^(Etymonline)

+ # Ease or frankness of manner; excessive familiarity.^(AHD)^(MW Collegiate)

+

+ ==Word family==

+ * [[nonfreedom]]

+ * [[overfreedom]]

+ * [[degree of freedom]]

+ * [[freedom fighter]]

+ * [[freedom march]]

+ * [[freedom ride]]

+ * [[freedom rider]]

+

+ ==Related words==

+ * [[free]]

+ * [[liberty]]

+ * [[friend]]

+ * [[-dom]]

+

+ ==Usage notes==

+ ''Freedom'' is the most general word for the power to act without restraint.^(AHD) ''Liberty'' often suggests release from a previous restraint or a right granted, and ''license'' freedom that is abused or used irresponsibly.^(AHD)

+

+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}