lib·er·ty 
/ˈlɪbɚti/ noun
plural lib·er·ties /ˈlɪbɚti/ noun 1 [noncount] : the state or condition of people who are able to act and speak freely : freedom
▪ a nation that values liberty and democracy ▪ soldiers willing to die in defense of liberty 2 [noncount] : the power to do or choose what you want to
▪ They gave him the liberty to handle the problem himself. 3 [count] : a political right
▪ hard-won liberties such as freedom of the press ▪ personal liberties
▪ a nation that values liberty and democracy ▪ soldiers willing to die in defense of liberty
▪ They gave him the liberty to handle the problem himself.
▪ hard-won liberties such as freedom of the press ▪ personal liberties
at liberty
formal 1 : able to act or speak freely — followed by to + verb ▪ You are at liberty to go or stay. ▪ I am not at liberty to say if the rumor is true. 2 : no longer held or kept as a prisoner
▪ a former prisoner who is now at liberty
▪ a former prisoner who is now at liberty
take liberties 1 disapproving : to make important changes to something — usually + with ▪ I think the movie takes too many liberties with the original story. 2 old-fashioned : to be informal and friendly toward someone in a way that is not proper — usually + with ▪ He was accused of taking liberties with several young women.
take the liberty of
◊If you take the liberty of doing something, you do something without asking for permission to do it.
▪ I took the liberty of making a reservation for us. ▪ I took the liberty of telling them you weren't interested.
▪ I took the liberty of making a reservation for us. ▪ I took the liberty of telling them you weren't interested.
