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

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

Beyond mortgage rates, it could also have a chilling effect on home purchases, a Redfin survey suggests.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The repression had a chilling effect on the demonstrations, but also gave Iranians another reason to oppose their theocratic rulers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

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 • Jan. 15, 2026

But never had a pariah had such a chilling effect on bringers of death.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman