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

It must be upheld without censorship, self-censorship and free from discrimination. —Leo Barraclough, Variety, 8 July 2025

Now, that same misguided concept is infiltrating city and state governments, threatening to create a similar climate of fear and self-censorship among the general public. —Tj Martinell, The Washington Examiner, 3 July 2025

Legal experts have expressed concerns about how media companies’ actions may further hinder declining trust in the press and cause editorial leadership to engage in self-censorship. —Solcyré Burga, Time, 3 July 2025

Louisville attorney Ben Potash, who represents a cohort of student advocates, said the enforcement tactics breed confusion and could lead to self-censorship. —Killian Baarlaer, The Courier-Journal, 2 July 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