self-censorship: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-to-MidFormal, Academic
Quick answer
What does “self-censorship” mean?
The act or practice of censoring or limiting one's own words, thoughts, or creative expressions, especially to avoid criticism, controversy, or punishment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or practice of censoring or limiting one's own words, thoughts, or creative expressions, especially to avoid criticism, controversy, or punishment.
A psychological or social mechanism where individuals or groups preemptively suppress their own speech, writing, or artistic output due to perceived real or imagined pressures from authority, social norms, political correctness, or fear of reprisal. It extends to institutional practices in media, publishing, and academia.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Usage is slightly more common in American political/academic discourse.
Connotations
In both varieties, it often connotes a negative, insidious form of control. In UK contexts, it might be more associated with media and public broadcasting ethics; in US contexts, with free speech debates and political discourse.
Frequency
More frequent in academic (media studies, political science, sociology) and journalistic registers than in everyday conversation in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “self-censorship” in a Sentence
[Subject] practises self-censorship[Subject] engages in self-censorship [on/regarding Topic]Self-censorship is prevalent among [Group]A climate of self-censorshipVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “self-censorship” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Journalists in the region often feel compelled to self-censor when reporting on the government.
- Authors began to self-censor their manuscripts to avoid potential libel suits.
American English
- Many social media users self-censor their political views to avoid online harassment.
- The professor worried she was starting to self-censor her lectures.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to employees avoiding controversial topics in meetings or communications to maintain harmony or avoid managerial disapproval.
Academic
A key concept in media studies, sociology, and political science describing how scholars, journalists, or artists limit their work due to perceived risks.
Everyday
Used when someone deliberately doesn't share an opinion on a sensitive topic (politics, religion) with friends or on social media.
Technical
In library/information science, refers to preemptive restriction of materials by librarians themselves.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “self-censorship”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “self-censorship”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “self-censorship”
- Using it to mean simply 'being polite' (it requires an element of fear or suppression).
- Confusing it with 'self-control', which is broader and more neutral.
- Misspelling as 'self-censering' or 'self-sensorship'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
While typically viewed negatively as a restriction on free expression, some argue it can be a form of social tact or necessary prudence in certain professional contexts. However, the term itself carries a critical weight.
Censorship is imposed by an external authority (e.g., government, institution). Self-censorship is performed by the individual or entity itself, though often as a preemptive response to a perceived threat from such an authority or social pressure.
Yes, it can become an internalized, habitual practice where individuals are not fully aware they are avoiding certain topics or expressions, making it particularly insidious.
Primarily, yes. However, the related verb 'to self-censor' is commonly used, and adjectival ('self-censoring') and adverbial ('self-censoringly') forms are possible, though less frequent.
The act or practice of censoring or limiting one's own words, thoughts, or creative expressions, especially to avoid criticism, controversy, or punishment.
Self-censorship is usually formal, academic in register.
Self-censorship: in British English it is pronounced /ˌselfˈsensəʃɪp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌselfˈsensərˌʃɪp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To bite one's tongue (related concept)”
- “To pull one's punches (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a person (SELF) with a large rubber stamp (CENSOR) in their own head, stamping 'NOT ALLOWED' on their thoughts before they are spoken.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE MIND IS A CENSORING AUTHORITY / EXPRESSION IS A FLOW THAT IS BLOCKED.
Practice
Quiz
Which situation BEST exemplifies 'self-censorship'?