What does libertarian mean?
Libertarian is an adjective and noun associated with the principle that individuals should be free to live, work, and make economic choices with as little interference from government or other institutions as possible. In the United States, it is especially associated with support for limited government, free markets, low taxes, and relaxed regulation, though the term does not imply one completely fixed political program. A libertarian is someone who holds these views. The word can be used approvingly to identify a philosophy centered on liberty, or critically when a writer believes that its emphasis on individual freedom neglects collective needs or social inequality. The term is also common outside the United States, particularly in debates about taxation, state power, property rights, and personal autonomy. Its modern political meaning grew out of older uses describing strong attachment to freedom and resistance to restraint.
Supporting individual liberty and freedom from undue governmental, social, or economic restraint.
"The group promotes a libertarian policy of voluntary rather than compulsory participation."
In American usage, the term often specifically favors limited government and free-market economic policies.
A person who supports libertarian principles, especially limited government and individual economic freedom.
"The libertarian argued that the regulation placed an excessive burden on small businesses."
The noun is best known in political and economic contexts and does not specify exactly which libertarian policies its bearer supports.
The plural is used for multiple advocates of libertarian ideas or policies.
"The libertarians opposed the new rules on the grounds that they exceeded the government's authority."
Libertarian began as a term for political freedom before becoming one of the most closely fought labels in American politics.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does libertarian come from?
The word belongs to the family of liberty, which derives from Latin libertas, meaning freedom, and entered English through Old French liberte. Libertarian combines the root of liberty with the suffix -arian, which forms nouns and adjectives denoting a person who supports a principle or its adherents. The English word has been in use since the 17th century and initially referred more broadly to advocates of freedom from restraint before acquiring its modern political and economic associations.
Related word forms
How libertarian is actually used
In contemporary American English, the term is most common in political and economic debates. Libertarian can describe broad support for individual freedom, but it is often understood more narrowly to favor free markets and minimal government; the precise beliefs of people so labeled can vary considerably.
Easily confused with libertarian
A liberal generally supports social or political reform and equality, whereas a libertarian emphasizes individual freedom and, especially in the American context, minimal government and free markets.
A conservative generally favors preserving existing institutions and traditions, while a libertarian focuses on limiting government authority and protecting individual choice.