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freedom of speech
/ˈfriːdəm əv spiːtʃ/
the right to express opinions without censorship
Freedom of speech is a fundamental right in many democracies.
This means people can express their views openly without fear of punishment.
Law
formal
The right to express one's opinions freely without government interference or censorship.
The First Amendment protects freedom of speech in the United States.
This legal principle ensures citizens can speak freely about political issues.
Some countries impose restrictions on freedom of speech to prevent hate speech.
These limits aim to balance free expression with social harmony.
This right is often legally protected but may have reasonable limits in some jurisdictions.
Collocations
freedom of speechthe right to express opinions without censorshiprestrict freedom of speechto limit or control what people can sayprotect freedom of speechto defend the right to free expression
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Context
Freedom of speech is often discussed in legal and political contexts, particularly in debates about government power and individual rights.
Gold Rule
Balancing Rights
Freedom of speech is often balanced against other rights, such as preventing defamation or incitement to violence.
Word Origin
The phrase originates from the concept of free expression, formalized in legal documents like the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
Usage Notes
While freedom of speech is a widely recognized principle, its application varies by country and legal system. Some nations impose limits to prevent harm or incitement.
Word Breakdown
freedom
the state of being free from restraint
rootof
belonging to or relating to
prepositionspeech
the act of expressing thoughts in spoken words
rootEnglish Dictionary