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

Back then, there was no freedom of speech, human rights abuses were rampant and the rights of women in particular were severely restricted, he recalled.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

In an 8-1 ruling, the court said the state law restricts the counselor’s freedom of speech under the First Amendment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

De Londras believes there is a fundamental mismatch between how the US and UK frames freedom of speech.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

It was far more prominent in the discussions in the Constitutional Convention and in early state constitutions than the freedom of speech.

From Slate • Feb. 24, 2026

“If the editor of the county paper ain’t agin freedom of speech, could I jest put one more question to this young ’un?”

From "Across Five Aprils" by Irene Hunt