self-censorship

noun

self-cen·​sor·​ship ˌself-ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship How to pronounce self-censorship (audio)
plural self-censorships
: the act or action of refraining from expressing something (such as a thought, point of view, or belief) that others could deem objectionable
What effects does self-censorship have on the accuracy and predictive validity of opinion polls?Samuel J. Best and Benjamin Radcliff
If self-censorship were ineffective, direct prohibition would be substituted.Raymond Hutchings
self-censor verb, transitive + intransitive
self-censored; self-censoring; self-censors
She self-censors her language around the children.
I know our interrogators wouldn't want us to answer that question. I feel an overwhelming need to self-censor. "We can't really talk about that," I say. Shane Bauer et al.

Examples of self-censorship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One probable outcome is that creators will engage in self-censorship to ward off harrassment. Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025 And while some French cartoonists speak of self-censorship since the Charlie Hebdo attack, others feel more motivated than ever to ferociously poke fun and provoke. Colette Davidson, The Christian Science Monitor, 8 Jan. 2025 This one involves self-censorship, fear of informants, and the necessity to appear conformist to some extent. airmail.news, 12 Oct. 2024 For me, as an artist, an educator and a dad, with that suppression leads to self-censorship, and leads to questions about one's self worth, about one's place in society. Angele Latham, The Tennessean, 16 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for self-censorship 

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of self-censorship was in 1845

Dictionary Entries Near self-censorship

Cite this Entry

“Self-censorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-censorship. Accessed 19 Jan. 2025.

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