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
“The chilling effect could not only be on films critical of AI, they could be on films critical of all kinds of things that these companies have their tentacles in,” Thompson said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 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
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.
