censorship
n.-
1 controlling information (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatethe act of removing or hiding information, books, or films that a government or group thinks are dangerous or offensive.
the suppression or prohibition of any parts of books, films, news, or other media that are considered obscene, politically unacceptable, or a threat to security.
ExampleThe government used strict censorship to stop people from reading news from other countries.
ExampleThe regime's heavy-handed censorship of the internet failed to prevent the spread of information via encrypted messaging apps during the protests.
UsageUncountable when referring to the general practice; countable when referring to a specific system or instance.
- freedom of speech
- openness
-
2 Roman magistrate office (n.) C2 Proficiency Technical Formalthe job or power of a 'censor' in ancient Rome.
the office or term of a censor in Ancient Rome, responsible for maintaining the census and supervising public morality.
ExampleHe held the censorship for eighteen months and conducted a full census of the city.
ExampleDuring his tenure in the censorship, he removed several senators from the rolls for failing to meet the required moral standards.
UsageUsually used in historical or academic contexts regarding Roman law.
From censor + -ship.