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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See all Example Sentences for gag order 

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gag order was in 1906

Dictionary Entries Near gag order

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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