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

According to the same judge, “The effect of these targeted deportation proceedings continues unconstitutionally to chill freedom of speech to this day.”

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“What is at stake here is freedom of speech,” said Karl Kloppenborg, a board member of the Internet Society, a nonprofit that supports and promotes the development of the internet.

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“There’s a reason the First Amendment — the freedom of speech — comes before all others,” he said.

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Ofcom is trying to walk a tightrope between online safety and freedom of speech.

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The TV stations were threatened with closure, Arnott said and added that Gill told him "it was a freedom of speech issue".

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