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.
To protect the integrity of the investigation, a judge issued a gag order prohibiting anyone involved with the case from releasing information publicly. Faith Karimi, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025 Today's talkers Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds demanded a gag order on Justin Baldoni's lawyer after a video release. Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 23 Jan. 2025 This fall, Trump appealed a partial gag order relating to the hush money case, but it was thrown out and remains in place. Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 4 Jan. 2025 Meanwhile, the case is under a gag order, which means no more information will be forthcoming until trial. Aja Romano, Vox, 11 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 30 Jan. 2025.

Legal Definition

gag order

see order sense 3b

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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