discretion

Plural: discretions

Noun

• freedom to act or judge on one's own
• knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
  • "the servants showed great tact and discretion"
• refined taste; tact
• the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies
• the trait of judging wisely and objectively
• The quality of being discreet.
• The ability to make wise choices or decisions.
• The freedom to make one's own judgements.
• The freedom to make one's own judgements.
• The authority to exercise one's own judgement in making decisions that have effect.

Examples

• Bob showed great discretion despite his knowledge of the affair.
• I leave that to your discretion.
• The police came and searched us at their discretion because we were shouting at each other's faces.

Synonyms

circumspection, delicacy, discernment, discreetness, free will, prudence

Antonyms

indiscretion