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.
Shi argues that non-compete agreements harm the economy: “They have a chilling effect and discourage people from looking for new jobs,” she says.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 21, 2026
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
But it’s also likely to have a chilling effect on one of its hyperscaler peers, according to Jason Helfstein, head of internet research at Oppenheimer.
From Barron's ● Jun. 2, 2026
In law and social science, we call this impact a chilling effect – the behavioral tendency for people in face of a threat to self-censor and restrain their activities for self-protection.
From Salon ● May 28, 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.
