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
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.
Cite this Entry
“Self-censorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/self-censorship. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.
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