autonomy

[ aw-ton-uh-mee ]
/ ɔˈtɒn ə mi /

noun, plural au·ton·o·mies.

independence or freedom, as of the will or one's actions: the autonomy of the individual.
the condition of being autonomous; self-government or the right of self-government: The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.
a self-governing community.

Origin of autonomy

1615–25; < Greek autonomía independence, equivalent to autónom(os) autonomous + -ia -y3

OTHER WORDS FROM autonomy

au·ton·o·mist, noun

Example sentences from the Web for autonomy

British Dictionary definitions for autonomy

autonomy
/ (ɔːˈtɒnəmɪ) /

noun plural -mies

the right or state of self-government, esp when limited
a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy
freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc
philosophy
  1. the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and lawsSee also categorical imperative
  2. the state in which one's actions are autonomous

Derived forms of autonomy

autonomist, noun

Word Origin for autonomy

C17: from Greek autonomia freedom to live by one's own laws; see autonomous