freedom of speech

American  

noun

1. the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.

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freedom of speech Cultural  

1. The right to speak without censorship or restraint by the government. Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment (see also First Amendment) to the Constitution. (See clear and present danger.)

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Etymology

Origin of freedom of speech

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Novak, declared that the crowd was there to celebrate more than just freedom of speech — they were there for “literary glamour.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

Meta denied trying to "silence" Wynn-Williams or restrict her freedom of speech, adding an interim order prohibited her from book promotion.

From BBC • Jun. 1, 2026

Last August, after the fine was issued, a new freedom of speech law covering England's universities came into force giving the regulator even stronger powers.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

According to the U.K.’s Public Order Act, which outlines how freedom of speech may be restricted, any speech that includes “threatening” or “abusive” words is likely to be censored.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 21, 2026

Besides, he added, the most important relevant law was the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.”

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin