What does "censorship" mean?
The use of state or group power to control freedom of expression or press, such as passing laws to prevent undesirable media from being published or propagated.
Censorship
/ˈsɛnsəʃɪp/ noun
noun ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The use of state or group power to control freedom of expression or press, such as passing laws to prevent undesirable media from being published or propagated.
- Grammar: censorship is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: censoring, abbreviation, abridgment, academic silencing.
- Useful contrasts: athenian agora, personal freedom, academic freedom.
- Usage evidence: Meanwhile, the PIRATE Party offers space on an internet server of their own to all CDU groups in Kassel that are affected by censorship by the party leaders.
How to use "censorship"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "censorship" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "censorship" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "censorship" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "censorship" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "censorship" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "censoring" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "censorship", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The use of state or group power to control freedom of expression or press, such as passing laws to prevent undesirable media from being published or propagated. countable, uncountable
"[…] such a curious thing — it is the only thing left of the old censorship of the press.""
- 2 deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances wordnet
- 3 The role of the censor (magistrate) in Ancient Rome. countable, historical, uncountable
- 4 counterintelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
athenian agorapersonal freedomacademic freedomart museum exhibit
Example
"Meanwhile, the PIRATE Party offers space on an internet server of their own to all CDU groups in Kassel that are affected by censorship by the party leaders."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "censorship"?
Common synonyms include: censoring, abbreviation, abridgment, academic silencing, bamboo curtain, barrier of secrecy.
How do you use "censorship" in a sentence?
Meanwhile, the PIRATE Party offers space on an internet server of their own to all CDU groups in Kassel that are affected by censorship by the party leaders.
How do you pronounce "censorship"?
Pronounced /ˈsɛnsəʃɪp/.
Etymology
From censor + -ship.