libertarians
|lib-er-ta-ri-an|
🇺🇸
/ˌlɪbərˈtɛriən/
🇬🇧
/ˌlɪb.əˈteə.ri.ən/
(libertarian)
freedom advocate
Etymology
'libertarian' originates from English (late 18th century), formed from the noun 'liberty' plus the suffix '-arian', where 'liberty' comes from Latin 'libertas' meaning 'freedom'.
'libertarian' developed in English from 'liberty' (Middle English 'liberte', Old French 'liberté') with the adjectival/agent suffix '-arian' (from Latin '-arius'), producing the modern term 'libertarian'.
Initially it meant 'an advocate of liberty' in a general sense; over time it came to denote a specific political stance emphasizing minimal state power and extensive individual freedoms.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
people who support the political philosophy of libertarianism, favoring individual liberty, limited government, and free-market principles.
Libertarians often argue that government intervention should be kept to a minimum.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
people who specifically emphasize personal freedoms (e.g., freedom of speech, privacy, personal choice) and oppose state interference in private life.
Many libertarians oppose mass surveillance and support strong protections for civil liberties.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/06 10:10