free speech

noun

1. freedom of speech.

free speech

noun

1. the right to express one's opinions publicly

Word History and Origins

Origin of free speech¹

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

Universities could face sanctions if pro-Palestinian protests descend into harassment and discrimination against Jewish students on campus, the free speech director at the watchdog for higher education in England has said.

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At the time, the city was engulfed in regular protests over the erosion of free speech and assembly rights, which culminated in China passing a security law to crack down on dissent.

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Licensed professional counselor Kaley Chiles challenged the restrictions, arguing that Colorado was violating the Constitution’s guarantee of free speech by stopping her from counseling young people who wanted guidance informed by Christian convictions.

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Tyler Coward, a government affairs attorney at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, which defends free speech, said he found that clause troubling.

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We all have a constitutional right to free speech, but society also has moral codes against humiliating and degrading others.

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