Definition

1. Noun:
   • The practice of officially examining books, films, news, etc., and suppressing unacceptable parts: Censorship involves the systematic review and control of information or artistic expression, often by a government or authority, to remove or restrict content deemed harmful, sensitive, or objectionable.
   • The actions or policies of censors: It refers to the institution, process, or effects of such control.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The government imposed strict censorship on all media during the crisis.
  • Artists protested against the censorship of their work by the museum.
  • Internet censorship is a controversial topic in many countries.

Advanced Usage

• "to impose/lift censorship": to establish or remove official restrictions on information.

  • The new regime moved quickly to impose censorship on the press.
  • After the revolution, they lifted decades of state censorship.

• "prior censorship" or "pre-publication censorship": the review and approval required before material can be published or broadcast.

  • The law required prior censorship for all films imported from abroad.

• "self-censorship": the act of censoring or restricting one's own speech or expression, often due to fear of repercussions or social pressure.

  • Wary of causing offense, the writer engaged in self-censorship.

Variants and Related Words

• Censor (noun): An official who examines material for censorship.
  • The censor demanded cuts to the film's violent scenes.
• Censor (verb): To examine and suppress parts of (a book, film, etc.).
  • The authorities decided to censor the reporter's dispatch.
• Censorial (adjective): Relating to a censor or censorship.
  • The committee exercised its censorial powers.

Synonyms

• Suppression: The action of suppressing something such as an activity or publication.
• Bowdlerization: The action of removing material that is considered improper or offensive from a text or work of art.
• Expurgation: The act of removing obscene or objectionable material from a written work before publication.

Related Phrases

• "under censorship": being subject to official examination and control.
  • The newspaper operated under heavy censorship for years.
• "a tool of censorship": a method or instrument used to enforce censorship.
  • The vague law was used as a tool of censorship against dissenting voices.

Noun

1. deleting parts of publications or correspondence or theatrical performances
2. counterintelligence achieved by banning or deleting any information of value to the enemy