civil rights

[siv-uhl rahyts]

plural noun

(often initial capital letters)

1. rights to personal liberty established by the 13th and 14th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and certain Congressional acts, especially as applied to an individual or a minority group.

2. the rights to full legal, social, and economic equality extended to African Americans.

civil rights

plural noun

1. the personal rights of the individual citizen, in most countries upheld by law, as in the US

2. (modifier) of, relating to, or promoting equality in social, economic, and political rights

civil rights

1. A broad range of privileges and rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and subsequent amendments and laws that guarantee fundamental freedoms to all individuals. These freedoms include the rights of free expression and action (civil liberties); the right to enter into contracts, own property, and initiate lawsuits; the rights of due process and equal protection of the laws; opportunities in education and work; the freedom to live, travel, and use public facilities wherever one chooses; and the right to participate in the democratic political system.

Efforts to redress the situation of inequality, such as the civil rights movement and the women's movement, have resulted in legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964, in affirmative action, and in the creation of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Word History and Origins

Origin of civil rights¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

Defense attorneys are crying foul and civil rights groups are suing.

From Salon

For economy’s sake, let’s skip forward nearly a century to the early years of the civil rights movement and another signal use of federal power.

From Salon

Legal challenges are already expected in Texas, where civil rights groups argue the map violates the Voting Rights Act.

From Salon

The center has faced multiple legal challenges, including lawsuits from civil rights groups alleging detainees were not given necessary access to the legal system, as well as those from the Miccosukee Tribe and environmental organizations.

From Salon

It is one of many using civil rights law to claim that the Constitution is colorblind and any institutional practice or program dedicated to leveling the playing field for non-white people discriminates against white people.

From Salon

Related Words

• freedom 
• freedom of religion 
• freedom of speech 
• human rights