chilling effect
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of chilling effect
First recorded in 1965–70
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The prosecution opposed the disclosures, saying they would have a "chilling effect" on the lone juror.
From Barron's ● Sep. 29, 2026
One can imagine a slow drip of consumer horror stories having a chilling effect on people’s interest in Muse-like apps.
From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2026
The artists argued that Macklemore's removal represented a chilling effect on free speech.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
“I think it will have a chilling effect on the behavior of folks on campus,” he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2026
But never had a pariah had such a chilling effect on bringers of death.
From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
