censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

1

a

: the institution, system, or practice of censoring

They oppose government censorship.

b

: the actions or practices of censors

especially : censorial control exercised repressively

censorship that has … permitted a very limited dispersion of facts

—Philip Wylie

2

: the office, power, or term of a Roman censor

3

: exclusion from consciousness by the psychic censor

Examples of censorship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hysteria over misinformation is leading us to some dark places where calls are made for the kind of censorship and conformity that breed resentment and prevent open inquiry. —Jacob Hale Russell, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025

Drag performers targeted for violence and censorship. —Chadd Scott, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Plus, the censorship not only impacts revenue for these businesses but also adds to shame around these topics like menopause and menstruation that need to be destigmatized in our culture. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 4 Mar. 2025

In a time of rising censorship, attacks on Black voices, and efforts to erase our history, these leaders are creating solutions, building power and driving change. —Melissa Noel, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

censor entry 1 + -ship

First Known Use

circa 1591, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing censorship

• anti-censorship
• self-censorship

Rhymes for censorship

• authorship
• battleship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip
• internship

Kids Definition

censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

: the system or practice of censoring

Medical Definition

censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

: exclusion from consciousness by the psychic censor

Legal Definition

censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship

: the institution, system, or practice of censoring compare freedom of speech, prior restraint