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

Constitution protects the right to freedom of speech.

From BBC ● Jul. 28, 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

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

Professors would establish and maintain standards of scholarly integrity, freedom of speech and inquiry, and rigorous dedication to merit-based assessment of research in specialized areas.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2026

For democracy to work, Eisenhower realized that one of the most important civil liberties was the freedom of speech.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti