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the quality or state of being , as in behavior or attitude.
a political or social philosophy advocating the freedom of the individual, parliamentary systems of government, nonviolent modification of political, social, or economic institutions to assure unrestricted development in all spheres of human endeavor, and governmental guarantees of individual rights and civil liberties.
(sometimes initial capital letter) the principles and practices of a party in politics.
a movement in modern Protestantism that emphasizes freedom from tradition and authority, the adjustment of religious beliefs to scientific conceptions, and the development of spiritual capacities.
Contemporary Examples

Like McCarthy, Cruz seems incapable of distinguishing between flavors of liberalism.
We’re All Joe McCarthy Michael Moynihan February 25, 2013

I was repelled from liberalism because I disliked sentimentality in politics.
David Mamet’s Right Turn David Frum May 8, 2012

O’Reilly can be relied on every late November/early December to return to his fantasty of liberalism’s “war on Christmas.”
The War on Christmas Has Begun Michael Tomasky November 29, 2012

liberalism in the United States today is the politics that dares not speak its name.
American Dreams: How Bush Shaped Our Reading of Roth’s ‘The Plot Against America’ Nathaniel Rich November 22, 2014

Sometimes democracy and liberalism are about speaking up about the great issues, like a massive foreign war.
A Few Great Men Too Many: Aaron Sorkin Doesn’t Think You Can Handle the Truth Arthur Chu December 20, 2014

Historical Examples

It was a great day in the annals of the Blue City and of liberalism.
The Lion’s Share E. Arnold Bennett

I was ashamed of him, and sick of liberalism, as I sat there.
The Coryston Family Mrs. Humphry Ward

Of liberalism in this sense of the word there was indeed little in the Prussian Government.
Bismarck and the Foundation of the German Empire James Wycliffe Headlam

Adelaide had a Federation-wide reputation for left-wing neo-Marxist “liberalism.”
Oomphel in the Sky Henry Beam Piper

It is true that for many years, and with some justification, Socialism was looked upon as antithetical to liberalism.
Readings on Fascism and National Socialism Various

noun
liberal opinions, practices, or politics
a movement in modern Protestantism that rejects biblical authority
n.

1819, from liberal + -ism.

In the twentieth century, a viewpoint or ideology associated with free political institutions and religious toleration, as well as support for a strong role of government in regulating capitalism and constructing the welfare state.