liberty

/ˈlɪbərti/
noun
  1. The freedom to live, think, and act as one chooses, without unnecessary control by others or the government.
    • Many people fought for liberty during the revolution.
    • The Constitution protects the liberty of its citizens.
    • After years of imprisonment, he finally regained his liberty.
  2. The right or permission to do something; freedom from restriction.
    • Students have the liberty to choose their own research topics.
    • I took the liberty of ordering coffee for you.
    • You are at liberty to leave whenever you want.
  3. An action or statement that is too bold or disrespectful, often in the phrase 'take liberties'.
    • The journalist took liberties with the facts in her article.
    • I don't mind jokes, but don't take liberties with my family.
    • He took liberties with the original design, changing it completely.