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 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 

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 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

gag order

see order sense 3b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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