top of page

censor

IPA

How to pronounce censor (audio)

share

Monster Trucks in Space

Dictionary definition of censor

To examine and remove or suppress information, opinions, or artistic expression that are considered objectionable or harmful by those in authority.
"The government is planning to censor the controversial film."

5stars.jpg

Detailed meaning of censor

This can be done through various means, such as editing, redacting, or banning, and can apply to a wide range of mediums, including books, films, music, news articles, and social media content. The purpose of censorship may vary, but often involves protecting society from sensitive or offensive material, maintaining political or moral values, or controlling the flow of information to maintain power or influence. However, censorship is often controversial, as it can limit freedom of speech and expression, stifle creativity, and prevent the public from accessing important or diverse viewpoints.

Example sentences containing censor

1. Governments often censor information that they believe could cause public unrest.
2. The school board might censor certain books if they find the content inappropriate for students.
3. Many authoritarian regimes censor the internet to control the flow of information.
4. Parents should be careful not to censor their children’s curiosity excessively.
5. News agencies sometimes censor sensitive information to protect the safety of individuals involved.
6. The committee will censor the document to ensure it complies with legal standards.

History and etymology of censor

The verb 'censor' has a historical etymology rooted in ancient Roman governance. It can be traced back to the Roman office of 'censor,' which was responsible for conducting the census, assessing the social status of citizens, and maintaining public morality. The term 'censor' itself derived from the Latin word 'censere,' meaning 'to assess' or 'to give an opinion.' Over time, the role of the censor expanded to include the examination and suppression of information, opinions, or artistic expression that were deemed objectionable or harmful by those in authority. This evolution of 'censor' reflects the idea that those who assess and oversee matters of public morality and order often wield the power to control and limit the dissemination of certain content. Thus, the etymology of 'censor' is deeply intertwined with the historical development of censorship as a means of regulating information and expression.

Quiz: Find the meaning of censor

Try Again!

Correct!

Further usage examples of censor

1. It is important for artists to be aware of the guidelines that may censor their work in different countries.
2. Social media platforms may censor posts that violate their community standards.
3. Educational institutions should not censor intellectual debate and discussions.
4. Film boards often censor scenes they find too violent or explicit for certain age groups.
5. Radio stations usually censor explicit language in the songs they air.
6. Human rights organizations advocate for the freedom of speech and oppose efforts to censor dissenting voices.
7. Libraries have faced criticism when they censor materials based on political or ideological grounds.
8. The editor will censor certain phrases to make the article more suitable for a general audience.
9. Governments should be transparent and not censor information that the public has the right to know.
10. It's common for companies to censor employees' communications to prevent the leak of confidential information.
11. Parents often use parental controls to censor the content their children can access online.
12. Religious authorities in history used to censor scientific work that challenged established beliefs.
13. The artist refused to censor his work despite pressure from various groups.
14. The gaming community raises concerns when developers censor content in response to external pressures.

cut,delete,edit

eb68db_34508aff0a5a464c84c31ca08ab8fb59.mp3

suppress, expose, reveal, disclose

bowdlerize,excise,expurgate,redact,sanitize,suppress,withhold

Suffix -or, ACT 16 (American College Testing), Middle School 2, Protection and Avoidance

bottom of page