freedom of speech

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A fundamental civil right: The legal and social principle that individuals have the right to express their opinions and ideas without fear of government retaliation or censorship.
    • A constitutional guarantee: Specifically, the right protected by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits laws that abridge the freedom of speech.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • The university is a strong defender of freedom of speech.
    • The new law was criticized for potentially limiting freedom of speech.
    • Debates about freedom of speech often involve balancing this right with other societal concerns.
Advanced Usage
  • "To champion/uphold freedom of speech": To actively support and defend this right.
    • The organization's mission is to champion freedom of speech worldwide.
  • "An infringement on/abridgment of freedom of speech": An action or law that unlawfully restricts this right.
    • The court ruled that the regulation was an unconstitutional infringement on freedom of speech.
Variants and Related Words
  • Free speech (noun phrase): A common, more informal synonym for "freedom of speech."
    • The protest was an exercise of free speech.
  • Speech (noun): The expression of or the ability to express thoughts and feelings by articulate sounds. This is the core concept within the phrase.
Synonyms
  • Liberty of expression
  • Right to free expression
Related Phrases
  • Freedom of the press: The right of newspapers, magazines, etc., to report news without being controlled by the government. (A closely related concept often grouped with freedom of speech.)
  • Freedom of assembly: The right to hold public meetings and form associations without interference by the government. (Another right often protected alongside freedom of speech.)
Notes on Meaning

This term specifically refers to protection from government interference. It does not generally protect an individual from consequences imposed by private entities (like a private employer or a social media platform's terms of service), though related laws may apply. The right is not absolute and may be subject to restrictions, such as those against libel, slander, incitement to violence, or obscenity.

Noun
  1. a civil right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution