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

Novak, declared that the crowd was there to celebrate more than just freedom of speech — they were there for “literary glamour.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 2, 2026

The operation's aim was to maintain the principle of freedom of speech - that people should be allowed to express their political views, so long as hate speech laws were not broken.

From BBC • May 16, 2026

Mrs Justice Lieven said the OfS had "closed its mind" to anything that would lead to not finding failure to uphold freedom of speech and therefore fine the university.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Last August, after the fine was issued, a new freedom of speech law covering England's universities came into force giving the regulator even stronger powers.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Branwell wrote about the Four Freedoms of World War II: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.

From "Silent To The Bone" by E.L. Konigsburg