# libel chill

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/libel-chill
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Uneasiness or unwillingness to speak publicly or to write about a matter, as a result of the threat or suggestion of a libel action should one do so.

## Examples

- The threat of lawsuits causes a libel chill for many journalists.
- The newspaper refused to publish the investigation, fearing a libel chill from the powerful corporation mentioned in the report.
- By aggressively threatening litigation against every critic, the firm successfully created a libel chill that silenced public debate on their controversial business practices.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.