censorship
UK: ˈsɛnsəʃɪp | US: ˈsɛnsərʃɪp
n. the practice of suppressing or restricting speech, writing, or other forms of expression deemed objectionable or harmful by authorities.
n. the office or duties of a censor (an official who examines material for suppression).
The word "censorship" combines "censor," derived from Latin censor (a Roman magistrate responsible for public morals and census-taking), with the suffix "-ship," from Old English -scipe (denoting state or quality). The Roman censor’s role evolved into overseeing public behavior, later extending to controlling expression. The suffix "-ship" formalizes the concept into an institutional practice.
The government imposed strict censorship on the media during the crisis.
Many artists have fought against censorship to preserve creative freedom.
Online censorship has sparked debates about free speech and safety.
The film faced censorship due to its controversial themes.
Historical records show how censorship shaped public opinion in wartime.