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 case has drawn sharp criticism from press freedom advocates, civil rights groups, and major news organizations, who warn that charging a journalist for covering a protest could usher in a chilling effect on newsgathering.

From Salon

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, an independent think tank, Xi’s latest purges have had a chilling effect on approvals for projects and arms sales, with the combined arms revenues earned by eight Chinese defense contractors in SIPRI’s rankings falling 10% in 2024.

From The Wall Street Journal

It also created a “chilling” effect among clinicians who were scared to share family-planning resources due to a fear of it affecting funding — even in countries with progressive policies on abortion.

From Salon

And Jameel Jaffer, director of the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, told The New York Times the raid was “intensely concerning,” and could have a chilling effect “on legitimate journalistic activity.”

From Salon

“That creates a chilling effect among protesters.”

From The Wall Street Journal