self-censorship

noun

self-cen·​sor·​ship ˌself-ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

plural self-censorships

: the act or action of refraining from expressing something (such as a thought, point of view, or belief) that others could deem objectionable

What effects does self-censorship have on the accuracy and predictive validity of opinion polls?

—Samuel J. Best and Benjamin Radcliff

If self-censorship were ineffective, direct prohibition would be substituted.

—Raymond Hutchings

self-censor

ˌself-ˈsen(t)-sər 

verb, transitive + intransitive

self-censored; self-censoring; self-censors

She self-censors her language around the children.

I know our interrogators wouldn't want us to answer that question. I feel an overwhelming need to self-censor. "We can't really talk about that," I say.

—Shane Bauer et al.

Examples of self-censorship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This need for validation often leads to self-censorship, preventing you from expressing your true thoughts and values. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 12 May 2025

But Carey said that’s not true elsewhere in academia where in a recent survey, more than half of faculty reported some form of self-censorship. —Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 6 May 2025

The administration’s approach to science policy has raised concerns about undermining scientific integrity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and about potential censorship and self-censorship among scientists. —A.j. Russo, Baltimore Sun, 17 Apr. 2025

But there is a fine line between discretion and self-censorship. —Julia Angwin, New Yorker, 12 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for self-censorship

• apostleship
• apprenticeship
• assistantship
• championship
• chancellorship
• citizenship
• companionship
• copartnership
• dictatorship
• directorship
• discipleship
• editorship