Censorship: Definition and Synonyms
Censorship – Definition and Part of Speech
Censorship is a noun that refers to the act or practice of officially examining books, movies, news, etc., and suppressing unacceptable parts. It involves controlling information that may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient by a government, private institution, or other controlling body.
Core Synonyms (Table Format)
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suppression | The act of stopping something from being seen or known | “The government engaged in suppression of dissenting voices.” | Formal/Academic, Business |
| Expurgation | Removing offensive material; often used for books | “The publisher decided to expurgate the novel by removing controversial passages.” | Academic/Literary |
| Censure | Formal disapproval or criticism that may imply control | “Her remarks drew censure from several board members who saw them as inappropriate.” | Formal/Business |
| Prohibition | An official order forbidding something | “The prohibition of certain websites in the country has sparked debate about free speech.” | Business/Formal |
| Omission | Leaving out parts considered objectionable | “The film underwent numerous omissions to comply with international censorship standards.” | Casual/Academic, Informal |
Usage Notes
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Suppression is often used in contexts where there’s a focus on preventing dissemination of information or speech. It suits formal and business contexts.
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Expurgation has literary connotations and implies the act of cleaning up content by removing objectionable parts. This term is most suitable for academic discussions related to literature.
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Censure usually involves disapproval but can imply control as well, particularly in political or organizational settings. It’s apt for formal contexts such as business communications and government statements.
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Prohibition emphasizes an official ban or forbiddance and works well in legal and business scenarios where rules and regulations are being discussed.
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Omission, the most casual of these synonyms, refers to leaving out parts without necessarily implying a moral judgment. It can be used in academic writing as well as everyday conversation when discussing content removal.
Common Pitfalls
A common misunderstanding is equating censorship solely with government action; however, it can also occur in corporate, educational, and media contexts. Additionally, while “censure” often involves criticism, its synonym use implies control or restriction, so careful consideration of context is needed to avoid miscommunication.
Another pitfall lies in confusing suppression with prohibition: the former suggests an active effort to prevent dissemination, whereas the latter denotes a formal order forbidding something. Recognizing these subtleties will enhance clarity and precision in communication.
Final Recap
Censorship encompasses various forms of controlling information or expression by removing or altering content deemed objectionable. Its synonyms—suppression, expurgation, censure, prohibition, and omission—each carry distinct nuances, making them suitable for different contexts such as academic writing, business communication, legal discussions, literary critique, and everyday conversation.
To expand your understanding and usage of these terms, practice incorporating them into sentences or discussions relevant to their specific connotations. By doing so, you’ll enhance both the precision and richness of your vocabulary in educational and professional settings.