chilling effect

American  

noun

1. a discouraging or deterring effect, especially one resulting from a restrictive law or regulation.

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Etymology

Origin of chilling effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The lawsuit had a chilling effect on the real-estate industry, which has become more reliant on software and data services in recent years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Even though cuts to mRNA funding were only for respiratory viruses, they have had a chilling effect in the entire mRNA research community, said Jeff Coller, a Bloomberg Distinguished Professor at Johns Hopkins University focused on RNA therapeutics.

From BBC

Maryland abortion providers and aid groups say there has been an increase in demand and a chilling effect for providers.

From Washington Post

State-level leaders across the country who support abortion rights fear court rulings and actions in other states could erode protections within their jurisdictions, and they say the wave of restrictions already has had a chilling effect.

From Washington Post

“But the flip side of the coin is it can give you incredible insight into people’s everyday lives. That can have an unintended chilling effect or be a tool for actual repression.”

From New York Times