censorship - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
censorship Word Meanings
- the suppression of speech, public communication, or other information
- the practice of examining media for objectionable content
- restriction of access to information or ideas
censorship Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
censorship Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsen.sə.ʃɪp/
US
/ˈsɛn.sɚ.ʃɪp/
censorship Word Etymology
census = a counting (of people) + -orship = state of being; it evolved from Latin 'censere', meaning 'to assess'. Imagine a person in a seat of power deciding what’s acceptable to see and hear.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Censorship refers to the suppression or control of what people can say, publish, or access. It can occur when a government, a media outlet, or a private platform restricts speech or information for political, moral, or security reasons. The term is also used for the process of reviewing media to remove objectionable content before it reaches the public. Power is central here: those in authority decide what counts as acceptable to be seen or heard. Etymology links census and -orship to the idea of an enforcer weighing what is allowed. Learners should distinguish censorship from critique, bans, and self censorship.
Usage Reminders
- • Censorship can refer to government rules or platform policies.
- • Censorship is the noun; censor is the verb or the person.
- • Use phrases like press censorship or self-censorship.
- • Not all filtering is censorship; some content is age-restricted or flagged for safety.
- • Common collocations: censorship regime, censorship board.
Common Misconceptions
- Censorship is always illegal or oppressive
- It only happens in authoritarian regimes
- It means the truth is never accessible
- It is the same as a content warning
- It only concerns political content
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Read about real-world censorship cases to see word in context.
- Note the noun form censorship vs the verb censor.
- Watch for collocations like censorship regime or self-censorship.
- Compare censorship with bans, restrictions, and warnings.
- Listen for fear of retribution that leads to self-censorship.
- Practice with both political and everyday contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'censorship'?
A.To praise
B.To fix
C.To ban
D.To hide
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'censorship' used correctly?
A.The censorship was happy with the content.
B.The movie was released without any censorship.
C.They decided to censor the censorship.
D.Censorship is always a good thing.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'censorship'?
A.Approval
B.Criticism
C.Censure
D.Suppress
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context might you encounter 'censorship'?
A.Censoring educational resources
B.Encouraging free speech
C.Social media content moderation
D.Promoting censorship
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on the importance of 'censorship' in today's society.
A.Encouraging fake news spreading
B.Encouraging uninhibited expression
C.Filtering information for public safety
D.Limiting freedom of speech
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