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

“If they lose short-term contracts, if they lose longer-term contracts, if, let’s say, companies are even afraid to work with them, because they’re afraid of getting pushback from the government, then you get a chilling effect,” he said.

From Salon

"What chilling effect does that have on the world we live in? You don't like what a public official does and you make a joke, and you're dragged into court?"

From BBC

Still, the mere invocation of license revocation has a powerful chilling effect.

From Salon

Gomez added that while attempts to pull licenses border on folly, Carr’s threats and attacks on the media can create a chilling effect and erode the public’s confidence in the press.

From Los Angeles Times

The seven-year time limit is getting pushback from housing industry groups, which argue the requirement would have a chilling effect on construction.

From Barron's