independence

in-de-pen-dence · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The state of being free from outside control; self-governance.

  2. 2.

    The quality of being self-reliant; not needing others for support.

  3. 3.

    Freedom from dependence on or control by others.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    Independence Day — A national holiday celebrating a country's independence.
  • •
    financial independence — Having enough resources to not rely on others.

Related words

Antonyms: dependence, reliance, subjugation
See also: autonomy, freedom, independent
Synonyms: autonomy, freedom, self-reliance

Etymology

From Medieval Latin independentia, from Latin in- ("not") + dependens ("hanging from, dependent"). The word gained political significance during independence movements.