chilling effect

noun

: a usually undesirable discouraging effect or influence
the chilling effect it will have on the assertion of legitimate claimsS. V. Bomse
used especially of First Amendment violations

Dictionary Entries Near chilling effect

Cite this Entry

“Chilling effect.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/chilling%20effect. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!