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

"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

As an MP, Wine notably fought against a tax on social media, widely seen as unfair and limiting freedom of speech.

From Barron's

In the modern era, the British heritage of common law, freedom of speech and personal virtue didn’t constrain innovation but produced it.

From The Wall Street Journal