gagging order: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal-Legal, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “gagging order” mean?
An official court order or binding legal injunction that prevents a person or organisation from publicly disclosing certain information, typically for reasons of confidentiality, privacy, or national security.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official court order or binding legal injunction that prevents a person or organisation from publicly disclosing certain information, typically for reasons of confidentiality, privacy, or national security.
A legally enforceable directive that imposes silence on a specific matter, often used in employment disputes, commercial settlements, or to protect sensitive information. It can also refer informally to any strict instruction from an authority (e.g., a government or company) to suppress speech or publication.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'gagging order' is far more common in UK English. In American English, the synonymous legal terms 'gag order' or 'injunction' are strongly preferred in formal contexts.
Connotations
In the UK, it directly implies a legal injunction to silence. In the US, 'gag order' is the standard term; using 'gagging order' might sound like a UK import or be perceived as slightly informal or journalistic.
Frequency
Very high frequency in UK media and legal reporting; low frequency in US contexts, where 'gag order' dominates.
Grammar
How to Use “gagging order” in a Sentence
The court [VERB] a gagging order on the newspaper.The employee is [VERB] by a gagging order.They [VERB] to lift the gagging order.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gagging order” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The company sought to gag the whistleblower with a court order.
- He was effectively gagged by the terms of the settlement.
American English
- The judge gagged both parties from speaking to the press.
- A federal motion was filed to gag the defendant.
adjective
British English
- The gagging clause in the contract was deemed unenforceable.
- They faced gagging legislation from the government.
American English
- The gag order provisions were challenged on First Amendment grounds.
- She signed a gag-order agreement as part of the deal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when a company secures a court order to prevent a former employee from discussing trade secrets or a settlement.
Academic
Discussed in legal, political science, and media studies regarding freedom of information and censorship.
Everyday
Understood in news reports about scandals, celebrities, or political figures seeking to suppress stories.
Technical
A specific type of interim injunction in common law jurisdictions, particularly England and Wales.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gagging order”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gagging order”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gagging order”
- Using 'gagging order' as a verb (e.g., 'They gagging-ordered him'). Correct: 'They imposed a gagging order on him.'
- Confusing it with a standard NDA, which is a contractual agreement, not a court order.
- Spelling: 'gagging' with one 'g'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. An NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement) is a private contract between parties. A gagging order is a formal injunction issued by a court, with the power of contempt of court behind it if breached.
Yes. They can be appealed or challenged in court, often on grounds of public interest, freedom of expression, or if the order is deemed disproportionate.
A specific, powerful type of gagging order used in UK law that not only prohibits reporting details of a case but also prohibits reporting the fact that the injunction itself exists.
The US legal system uses 'gag orders'. The term 'gagging order' is rarely, if ever, used in formal American legal documents; it is considered a UK English term.
An official court order or binding legal injunction that prevents a person or organisation from publicly disclosing certain information, typically for reasons of confidentiality, privacy, or national security.
Gagging order is usually formal-legal, journalistic in register.
Gagging order: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡɪŋ ˌɔːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡæɡɪŋ ˌɔrdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to be gagged by an order”
- “to have a gag put on someone/something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a judge placing an actual GAG over someone's mouth and giving an ORDER to keep it on. 'Gagging' describes the action of silencing, and 'order' makes it official.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE LAW IS A PHYSICAL RESTRAINT (it gags/binds/silences).
Practice
Quiz
In which jurisdiction is the term 'gagging order' most commonly used in formal legal contexts?