-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
gag order
noun
: a judicial ruling barring public disclosure or discussion (as by the press) of information related to a case
broadly
: a similar nonjudicial prohibition against the release of confidential information or against public discussion of a sensitive matter
Examples of gag order in a Sentence
The judge has issued a gag order.
Recent Examples on the Web
The gag order was lifted Friday after Allen's sentencing.
—Gord Magill, Newsweek, 20 Dec. 2024
The subpoenas were issued to third-party service providers, and included gag orders preventing them from notifying the congressional officials that their records had been subpoenaed.
—Ryan Lucas, NPR, 10 Dec. 2024
With the defense having failed to get a gag order on witnesses or see the case tossed out on allegations of government leaks, the road to that trial is looking increasingly to be full of potholes.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 19 Nov. 2024
Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive, and a gag order has prevented many involved in the case from speaking.
—Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 7 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for gag order
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1906, in the meaning defined above
Articles Related to gag order
The Words of the Week - Mar. 29
Dictionary lookups from the law, politics, and Easter
The Words of the Week - Oct. 20
Dictionary lookups from the House of Representatives, federal court, and the New York Times word games section
The Words of the Week - Apr. 7
Dictionary lookups from religion, publishing, and politics
Dictionary Entries Near gag order
Cite this Entry
“Gag order.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gag%20order. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.
Legal Definition
gag order
see order sense 3b
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share