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Censoring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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censoring

[ˈsɛnsərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

online communication

The act of suppressing or deleting parts of a text that are considered inappropriate or offensive. Censoring is often done to maintain a certain level of decency or to comply with regulations.

Synonyms

deleting, editing, suppressing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
censoring

When you are officially removing or altering content because it is deemed inappropriate or offensive.

  • The government was accused of censoring the news reports.
  • The film was heavily censored before it could be shown to the public.
suppressing

When you are intentionally preventing information from being known or spread, often with a negative connotation.

  • The report was suppressed to avoid panic.
  • Critics accused the company of suppressing evidence of the product's defects.
deleting

When you are removing content entirely and permanently, often used in digital contexts.

  • She decided to delete her Facebook account.
  • The email was deleted accidentally.
editing

When you are making changes or corrections to improve or clarify content, not necessarily removing it.

  • He spent hours editing his book before submitting it to the publisher.
  • The article needs some editing for clarity and length.

Examples of usage

  • Censoring comments on social media platforms is a common practice.
  • The government censors sensitive information to prevent security breaches.
  • The movie was heavily censored before its release to meet the censorship guidelines.
  • In some countries, the internet is heavily censored to control the flow of information.
  • Journalists often face challenges when reporting from countries with strict censorship policies.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The practice of censoring dates back to ancient Rome, where officials reviewed poetry and plays to control what could be shared publicly.
  • In the 18th century, censorship became widespread during the Enlightenment when rulers sought to limit revolutionary ideas.
  • The term 'censor' comes from the Latin word 'censere', which means 'to assess' or 'to judge'.

Cultural Impact

  • Countries vary widely in their approach to censorship, with some allowing it for national security while others view it as an attack on free speech.
  • Censorship has inspired many works of art and literature, with creators often pushing against restrictions to express their ideas.
  • Famous novels like '1984' and 'Fahrenheit 451' explore themes of censorship and the loss of freedom of expression.

Technology

  • With the rise of the internet, censoring has become more complex, leading to discussions about digital rights and access to information.
  • Social media platforms often implement their own forms of censorship to combat hate speech and misinformation, sparking debates on what should be allowed.
  • VPNs and anonymizing tools have become popular ways for users to bypass government censorship and access restricted content.

Psychology

  • Research shows that censorship can lead to a sense of mistrust between the public and authorities, as people fear hidden agendas.
  • Censoring can affect mental health, promoting feelings of anxiety and oppression among those aware of restrictions on freedom of expression.
  • Children exposed to censorship may develop skewed perceptions of reality, as they receive incomplete information about different viewpoints.

Legal Framework

  • Many nations have specific laws regarding censorship, balancing free speech with concerns about national security, hate speech, and morality.
  • In democratic societies, the right to free expression is typically protected, but exceptions allow for certain forms of censorship to prevent harm.
  • The debate about censorship in media and education often centers around what is appropriate for different age groups and societal norms.

Origin of 'censoring'

The term 'censoring' originates from the Latin word 'censor,' which referred to a Roman magistrate responsible for supervising public morals and overseeing various aspects of society. Over time, the term evolved to encompass the act of controlling or restricting information, speech, or media content. Censorship has been a topic of debate throughout history, with different societies adopting varying levels of censorship for various reasons.

See also: censorious, censorship, censure.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,806, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.