chilling effect
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of chilling effect
First recorded in 1965–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Streever has alleged DHS’ behavior is retaliation for protected speech and will have a chilling effect on the public.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 4, 2026
This had a chilling effect on tech-loving individual investors.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 5, 2026
The change raised immediate legal concerns and, advocates say, contributed to a chilling effect, with some eligible households opting not to participate.
From Salon ● Apr. 6, 2026
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 ● Mar. 16, 2026
But never had a pariah had such a chilling effect on bringers of death.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
