self-censorship.

Holding back your own speech, writing, or ideas because you expect disapproval or consequences.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• political self-censorship
• practice self-censorship
• a climate of self-censorship

On the page

No explicit ban was needed once fear had made self-censorship routine.

Usage notes

Primary category: psychology / human behavior. Forms: usually uncountable; no ordinary plural. Writing functions: inhibition, social influence, dialogue. Commonness: moderately common. No forced synonym or emotional rating.