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book burning

American

noun

the destruction of writings of which the subject, the view of the author, or the like is considered politically or socially objectionable: used as a means of censorship or oppression.

Etymology

Origin of book burning

First recorded in 1890–95

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.

See Examples For:

book burning

Sobel likened the sign's removal to "book burning" under Nazi Germany, but without the spectacle.

From Barron's ● May 17, 2026

The video shows the book burning in a tin foil tray next to the Iraqi flag on the ground, with two onlookers standing and talking next to it.

From Reuters ● Jul. 22, 2023

Throughout history, book burning has been a particularly popular practice under authoritarian regimes, The Washington Post notes.

From Salon ● Apr. 28, 2022

Fortunately, Laura can yell over it: "This is equivalent to book burning!"

From Washington Post ● Dec. 5, 2018

Her flyer for the book burning somersaults away in the breeze.

From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023