book burning

noun

1. the destruction of writings of which the subject, the view of the author, or the like is considered politically or socially objectionable: used as a means of censorship or oppression.

Word History and Origins

Origin of book burning¹

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

“This is the modern version of book burning.”

From Los Angeles Times

In addition to so much digital destruction, which materially would be the biggest book burning in history, the Trump administration is resorting to old-fashioned book bans.

From Salon

"Deleting gobs of public data/resources as well is the digital equivalent of book burning."

From Salon

Soon after, someone created a Facebook “Book Burning event” page, exhorting parents to get their kids to remove “books you do NOT want in our schools,” and bring them to a spot across the street from Riverbend High School, where the school board met.

From Los Angeles Times

Takei concluded that the first book burning in Germany "was an attack on a trans care institution. There are echoes of this today: The far-right has specifically chosen to target trans care centers in America, including repeated bomb threats to Boston Children’s Hospital, for providing gender affirming medical care."

From Salon