Autonomy is the control or government of a country, organization, or group by itself ratherthan by others.
Activists stepped up their demands for local autonomy last month.
Synonyms: independence, freedom, sovereignty, self-determination More Synonyms of autonomy
2. uncountable noun
Autonomy is the ability to make your own decisions about what to do rather than being influenced by someone else or told what to do.
[formal]
Each of the area managers enjoys considerable autonomy in the running of his or herown area.
autonomy in British English
(ɔːˈtɒnəmɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-mies
1.
the right or state of self-government, esp when limited
2.
a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy
3.
freedom to determine one's own actions, behaviour, etc
4. philosophy
a.
the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and laws
See also categorical imperative
b.
the state in which one's actions are autonomous
Derived forms
autonomist (auˈtonomist)
noun
Word origin
C17: from Greek autonomia freedom to live by one's own laws; see autonomous
autonomy in American English
(ɔˈtɑnəmi)
noun
1.
the fact or condition of being autonomous; self-government; independence
2. Word forms: pluralauˈtonomies
any state that governs itself
Word origin
Gr autonomia
Examples of 'autonomy' in a sentence
autonomy
Serious requests for assisted dying usually stem from a desire for autonomy or personal control.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Local government devolution is autonomy on a leash.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
We live in a free society and my desire for freedom and autonomy is my universal right.
The Sun (2013)
To be able to give autonomy one must have confidence.
Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)
This would not involve the infringement of the autonomy of individual universitiesto decide their priorities.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But grace is no blanket endorsement of human autonomy.
Christianity Today (2000)
It is certainly not evidence of a correlation between voter turnout and local autonomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Managers have considerable autonomy in how they run their offices.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There should be respect for individual autonomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
All three parties also want more local health service autonomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Its six component colleges continue to use their own names and enjoy considerable autonomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
This is not to deny any role for religious freedom and the autonomy of the individual that it reflects.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It is easy to see why this ban was passed and any muscular use of local autonomy is admirable in its way.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Hawks value autonomy, freedom and independence.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
But of course what they'd forgotten is the autonomy of the individuals in front of them.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
I need my freedom and my autonomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Second, they claimed that condemning him to live was a violation of his human rights of autonomy and dignity.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Instead, the emphasis is on more control and autonomy for GPs and patients.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The political conundrum facing Spain is how much autonomy the Government should now give.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
To those sympathetic to giving an individual more autonomy in how they choose to end their existence, suffering is a far bigger issue than mere burden.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Probation officers had considerable autonomy and, although this led to variations in practice and effectiveness, the system generally worked.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Autonomy is one thing, but it should be autonomy accompanied with a full set of facts to ensure efficient, effective investment.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
In other languages
autonomy
British English: autonomy /ɔːˈtɒnəmɪ/ NOUN
If a country, person, or group has autonomy, they control themselves rather than being controlled by others.
Activists stepped up their demands for local autonomy.