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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
After the release, Lively's legal team demanded a gag order be issued against Baldoni's lawyer.
—
Christina Dugan Ramirez, Fox News, 19 Feb. 2025
Lawsuit On Monday, Feb. 3, attorneys from both sides appeared at a pre-trial conference, which hashed out Lively's prospective request for a gag order.
—
Charmaine Patterson, People.com, 4 Feb. 2025
However, Judge Liman did not institute a gag order in the case, which was previously requested by Lively’s side.
—
Joseph Wilkinson, New York Daily News, 3 Feb. 2025
The official spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisal, under a Trump administration gag order prohibiting USAID staffers from speaking with people outside their agency.
—
Carla K. Johnson, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2025
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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 23 Feb. 2025.
Legal Definition
gag order
see order sense 3b
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