freedom of speech

American  

noun

1. the right of people to express their opinions publicly without governmental interference, subject to the laws against libel, incitement to violence or rebellion, etc.

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freedom of speech Cultural  

1. The right to speak without censorship or restraint by the government. Freedom of speech is protected by the First Amendment (see also First Amendment) to the Constitution. (See clear and present danger.)

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Etymology

Origin of freedom of speech

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

“Now more than ever, we must defend the right to freedom of speech and stand in solidarity with the people in Minnesota protesting and risking their lives to demand justice,” the union wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

But pro-Palestinian organisations said it was an attempt to suppress freedom of speech and protest.

From BBC

"Because of this felt attack on freedom of speech, this is really stoking the fires of extreme misogyny that already existed," she said.

From BBC

Louise Adler, the Jewish daughter of Holocaust survivors, said "I cannot be party to silencing writers" and that Abdel-Fattah's exclusion "weakens freedom of speech and is the harbinger of a less free nation."

From BBC

"This is not, as some would claim, about restricting freedom of speech," she said.

From BBC