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

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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

Listen to which political candidates right now are talking about freedom of speech or immigration issues.

From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026

"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

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

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