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 fine was issued by the Office for Students, the regulator of England's universities, over the university's trans and non-binary inclusion policy which it said had a "chilling" effect on free speech.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Still, the mere invocation of license revocation has a powerful chilling effect.

From Salon • Mar. 17, 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

The seven-year time limit is getting pushback from housing industry groups, which argue the requirement would have a chilling effect on construction.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

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

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman