freedom of speech

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.

freedom of speech

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of freedom of speech¹

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Russia has escalated its decade-long crackdown on rights and freedom of speech at home since President Vladimir Putin ordered troops into Ukraine in February 2022.

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In August, HRW said he had been sentenced to five years in prison "based solely on exercising his rights to freedom of speech and religion".

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He said if there was "unlawful support for proscribed organisations" on campus "then that's absolutely not something that freedom of speech protects and it is something that we would expect universities to address".

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The First Amendment is clear against laws “abridging the freedom of speech.”

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But he said there were "significant risks", including ensuring the quality of degrees, as well as maintaining academic freedom with different laws "around freedom of speech, limits on protest, potential limits on research".

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