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

Anthropic said in its lawsuit its business had been impacted by the government's actions and its right to freedom of speech had been violated.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Cuban exiles have demanded multiparty elections, freedom of speech, the release of political prisoners and other reforms.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

It was far more prominent in the discussions in the Constitutional Convention and in early state constitutions than the freedom of speech.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

I hope that we will not have these battles of: freedom of speech as defined by me, versus freedom of speech as defined by you.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

For democracy to work, Eisenhower realized that one of the most important civil liberties was the freedom of speech.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti