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
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.
The groups that tendered bids for the salvage operation have not been publicly named and are under strict non-disclosure gag orders set by prosecutor Raffaele Cammarano, who is in charge of the preliminary criminal investigation. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN, 1 Dec. 2024 Because of military secrecy and court gag orders, a full picture of the case has yet to emerge. Gershom Gorenberg, The Atlantic, 25 Nov. 2024 Previously:Court issues gag order on Delphi murder case Gag order still in place, ISP says Gull had previously issued the gag order preventing law enforcement, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the families from speaking publicly about the case. Kristine Phillips, The Indianapolis Star, 11 Nov. 2024 The court will decide on Sunday whether to lift a gag order on other details of the case. Tia Goldenberg, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for gag order 

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gag order was in 1906

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 Dec. 2024.

Legal Definition

gag order

see order sense 3b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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