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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1906, in the meaning defined above
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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
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