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independence or freedom, as of the will or one’s actions:
the autonomy of the individual.
the condition of being autonomous; self-government or the right of self-government:
The rebels demanded autonomy from Spain.
a self-governing community.
Contemporary Examples

The statements were viewed as a frontal assault on the autonomy and independence of the criminal-justice system.
Obama v. the Justice Department Scott Horton April 21, 2009

These people, like those in the breakaway regions of Georgia, wanted independence and autonomy, not Russian rule.
Why America Must Stop Comparing Ukraine To World War II Will Cathcart March 9, 2014

The real improvement happens when great teachers are given the autonomy to create engaging lessons.
Why the World Is Smarter Than Us Dana Goldstein August 8, 2013

As is this equally “inappropriate”—at a time when many of us want women to have autonomy of their bodies—anti-abortion campaign.
Sex Workers Deserve Health Care, Too Tauriq Moosa May 19, 2014

As for Hamas or Hizbullah, being given nuclear weapons would increase their capacities as well as their autonomy.
Would It Be So Bad If Iran Got Nuclear Weapons? Neil Padukone February 22, 2012

Historical Examples

Noble and pious utterance, artless cry of independence, in which the conscience proudly proclaims its autonomy!
Life of St. Francis of Assisi Paul Sabatier

And just as he was opposed to the union with Italy, so likewise was he opposed to autonomy.
The Birth of Yugoslavia, Volume 1 Henry Baerlein

Under the rule of the Bolsheviki the local organs of Jewish autonomy in the Ukraine were entirely destroyed.
The Jew and American Ideals John Spargo

In so doing, he begins to achieve some degree of autonomy as an independent person.
Herein is Love Reuel L. Howe

The Forest Cantons, having grown into three independent republics, claimed each separate administration or autonomy.
The Story of Switzerland Lina Hug

noun (pl) -mies
the right or state of self-government, esp when limited
a state, community, or individual possessing autonomy
freedom to determine one’s own actions, behaviour, etc
(philosophy)

the doctrine that the individual human will is or ought to be governed only by its own principles and laws See also categorical imperative
the state in which one’s actions are autonomous

n.

1620s, of states, from Greek autonomia “independence,” noun of quality from autonomos “independent, living by one’s own laws,” from auto- “self” (see auto-) + nomos “custom, law” (see numismatics). Of persons, from 1803.