autonomy

The definition of autonomy is independence in one's thoughts or actions.

(noun)

A young adult from a strict household who is now living on her own for the first time is an example of someone experiencing autonomy.

See autonomy in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Origin: Gr autonomia

See autonomy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. au·ton·o·mies

The condition or quality of being autonomous; independence.
a. Self-government or the right of self-government; self-determination.
b. Self-government with respect to local or internal affairs: granted autonomy to a national minority.
A self-governing state, community, or group.

Origin:

Origin: Greek autonomiā

Origin: , from autonomos, self-ruling; see autonomous

Related Forms: