Old English freodom "power of self-determination, state of free will; emancipation from slavery, deliverance;" see free (adj.) + -dom. Meaning "exemption from arbitrary or despotic control, civil liberty" is from late 14c. Meaning "possession of particular privileges" is from 1570s. Similar formation in Old Frisian fridom, Dutch vrijdom, Middle Low German vridom. Freedom-rider recorded 1961 in reference to civil rights activists in U.S. trying to integrate bus lines.
It has been said by some physicians, that life is a forced state. The same may be said of freedom. It requires efforts, it presupposes mental and moral qualities of a high order to be generally diffused in the society where it exists. [John C. Calhoun, speech, U.S. House of Representatives, Jan. 31, 1816]
Freedom fighter attested by 1903 (originally with reference to Cuba). Freedom-loving (adj.) is from 1841.
双语例句
1. Politicians have debased the meaning of the word "freedom"
政客们贬低了“自由”一词的意义。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The music brought him a feeling of plenitude and freedom.
这音乐带给他一种完满和自由的感觉。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The party leader said the street should be renamed Freedom Avenue.
政党领导人说这条街道应该重新命名为自由大道。
来自柯林斯例句
4. He was single-mindedly devoted to the hastening of freedom for the oppressed.
他一心一意致力于早日让被压迫者获得自由。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Susan's idea of freedom was to have variety in her life style.
