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

See Examples For:

freedom of speech

These threats implicate the First Amendment’s protection of freedom of assembly as well as of freedom of speech.

From Slate ● Sep. 28, 2026

Of the 35 so-called chapters of talks ranging from fisheries and economic policy to freedom of speech and free movement of goods, 27 had begun and 11 of them were provisionally complete, external.

From BBC ● Aug. 29, 2026

“They must be suspecting me of defending Articles 29 and 23 of the Russian Constitution—which guarantee freedom of speech and the right to private correspondence,” he wrote.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026

Second, it could chill freedom of speech and assembly.

From Salon ● Jul. 23, 2026

“What about freedom of speech, freedom of expression?”

From "The Misfits" by James Howe