Elbowroom

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The allowance of space or freedom essential for engaging in activities or movements without constraints
2. The amount of space or liberty needed to operate or move without feeling confined
3. Room or opportunity to maneuver or act freely without restrictions from others

Etymology: "Elbowroom" is about as literal as English compounds get: it is simply "elbow" joined to "room," the space you need to move your arms without jabbing the person beside you. The figurative sense of freedom to act without being crowded or restricted grew naturally out of that physical picture, so the metaphor was built into the word from the start. The compound shows its plain parts clearly. "Elbow" is an ordinary Germanic word for the joint in the arm, while "room" is the familiar noun for space. Put together, they describe a bodily need for space, and English speakers extended it to any situation where too little room restricts movement or choice.

Synonyms: space, room, freedom

Antonyms: crowding, restriction