chilling effect
CHIL-ing ih-FEKT
ˈtʃɪlɪŋ ɪˈfɛktListen
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Dictionary meaning
the discouragement of the legitimate exercise of free speech or press freedom caused by the fear of legal action, prosecution, surveillance, or other adverse consequences; a chilling effect on journalism occurs when journalists self-censor, decline to pursue certain stories, or fail to use important sources because they fear defamation suits, criminal prosecution under national security or secrecy laws, or retaliation from powerful subjects; the concept is central to First Amendment jurisprudence in the United States and to international press freedom advocacy
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