self-censorship

noun

self-cen·​sor·​ship ˌself-ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

plural self-censorships

: the act or action of refraining from expressing something (such as a thought, point of view, or belief) that others could deem objectionable

What effects does self-censorship have on the accuracy and predictive validity of opinion polls?

—Samuel J. Best and Benjamin Radcliff

If self-censorship were ineffective, direct prohibition would be substituted.

—Raymond Hutchings

self-censor

ˌself-ˈsen(t)-sər 

verb, transitive + intransitive

self-censored; self-censoring; self-censors

She self-censors her language around the children.

I know our interrogators wouldn't want us to answer that question. I feel an overwhelming need to self-censor. "We can't really talk about that," I say.

—Shane Bauer et al.

Examples of self-censorship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Editors engage in self-censorship, softening headlines and opting not to run stories critical of the government. —Steven Levitsky, Foreign Affairs, 11 Feb. 2025

Reporting abroad can spotlight otherwise-unaccountable officials, especially when censorship, self-censorship and threats of prosecution preclude domestic media from reporting. —Eric Freedman, The Conversation, 6 Feb. 2025

Even the perception of politicization will increase the risks of self-censorship. —Peter Schroeder, Foreign Affairs, 17 Jan. 2025

One probable outcome is that creators will engage in self-censorship to ward off harrassment. —Brooke Erin Duffy, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-censorship

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• citizenship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship