censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

1

a

: the institution, system, or practice of censoring

They oppose government censorship.

b

: the actions or practices of censors

especially : censorial control exercised repressively

… censorship that has … permitted a very limited dispersion of facts.

—Philip Wylie

2

: the office, power, or term of a Roman censor

3

: exclusion from consciousness by the psychic censor

Examples of censorship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the face of a burgeoning literacy crisis, global book bans, rampant censorship, and the rise of artificial intelligence, Service95 is a venue for Lipa to educate herself and her readers on global issues—encouraging an open dialogue and discourse. — Daniela Tijerina, Vanity Fair, 12 Nov. 2026

However, a balance in restricting information is needed to prevent censorship. — Bernarda Malevska, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026

Expand The American Library Association and PEN America are organizations doing a lot of research on censorship. — Darcel Rockett, Chicago Tribune, 7 Nov. 2026

Due to censorship laws in Middle East, Variety hears that the scene in question — not critical but the source of much chatter — will have to be cut for it to be released. — Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026

Word History

Etymology

censor entry 1 + -ship

First Known Use

1556, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing censorship

• anti-censorship
• self-censorship

Rhymes for censorship

• authorship
• battleship
• chairmanship
• chieftainship
• comradeship
• consulship
• craftsmanship
• dealership
• draftsmanship
• fellowship
• fingertip
• internship

Kids Definition

censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

: the system or practice of censoring

Medical Definition

censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship ˈsen(t)-sər-ˌship 

: exclusion from consciousness by the psychic censor

Legal Definition

censorship

noun

cen·​sor·​ship

: the institution, system, or practice of censoring compare freedom of speech, prior restraint