chilling effect

American  

noun

1. a discouraging or deterring effect, especially one resulting from a restrictive law or regulation.

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Etymology

Origin of chilling effect

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The change raised immediate legal concerns and, advocates say, contributed to a chilling effect, with some eligible households opting not to participate.

From Salon • Apr. 6, 2026

Gomez added that while attempts to pull licenses border on folly, Carr’s threats and attacks on the media can create a chilling effect and erode the public’s confidence in the press.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 16, 2026

Beyond mortgage rates, it could also have a chilling effect on home purchases, a Redfin survey suggests.

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The repression had a chilling effect on the demonstrations, but also gave Iranians another reason to oppose their theocratic rulers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

But never had a pariah had such a chilling effect on bringers of death.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman