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self-censorship

British  

noun

  1. the regulation of a group's actions and statements by its own members rather than an external agency

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

Chilling effects are thus not only repressive – causing self-censorship – but productive.

From Salon • May 28, 2026

Over time, that self-censorship can be deeply isolating.

From BBC • Jan. 13, 2026

Without clear boundaries, self-censorship spreads among analysts, journalists and academics who fear becoming the next target.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

After that, Chow said, the film industry stepped up self-censorship.

From Barron's • Dec. 22, 2025

Artists and intellectuals know that their work must pass through state-owned outlets if it is to be seen or heard; therefore, they exercise self-censorship to ensure acceptability.

From Area Handbook for Bulgaria by Baluyut, Violeta D.

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