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
Samuel J. Best and Benjamin RadcliffIf self-censorship were ineffective, direct prohibition would be substituted.—Raymond Hutchings
Raymond Hutchings
self-censor
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.
Shane Bauer et al.
Examples of self-censorship in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
It must be upheld without censorship, self-censorship and free from discrimination.
—Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 July 2025
Now, that same misguided concept is infiltrating city and state governments, threatening to create a similar climate of fear and self-censorship among the general public.
—Tj Martinell, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025
Legal experts have expressed concerns about how media companies’ actions may further hinder declining trust in the press and cause editorial leadership to engage in self-censorship.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 3 July 2025
Louisville attorney Ben Potash, who represents a cohort of student advocates, said the enforcement tactics breed confusion and could lead to self-censorship.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-censorship
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Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 July 2025
Now, that same misguided concept is infiltrating city and state governments, threatening to create a similar climate of fear and self-censorship among the general public.
—Tj Martinell, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025
Legal experts have expressed concerns about how media companies’ actions may further hinder declining trust in the press and cause editorial leadership to engage in self-censorship.
—Solcyré Burga, Time, 3 July 2025
Louisville attorney Ben Potash, who represents a cohort of student advocates, said the enforcement tactics breed confusion and could lead to self-censorship.
—Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for self-censorship
Cite this Entry
“Self-censorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-censorship. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.
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