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

"I have safety, I have freedom of speech, I have freedom of religion, I can wear whatever I want as a woman," she told AFP.

From Barron's ● Jul. 4, 2026

In that speech Roosevelt spoke of “four essential human freedoms”: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, freedom from fear.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 3, 2026

In 1964, a unanimous Supreme Court said the 1st Amendment’s protection for the freedom of speech and the press limited state libel verdicts.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026

The law, the complaint argues, violates the Kansas Constitution’s protections for privacy, equality under the law, due process, personal autonomy and freedom of speech.

From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2026

Besides, he added, the most important relevant law was the First Amendment: “Congress shall make no law...abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press.”

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin