freedom of the press
freedom of the press — noun
1. the ability of news organizations, such as newspapers and magazines, to publish
the ability of news organizations, such as newspapers and magazines, to publish stories and share their views without the government stopping or controlling what they say
Many countries guarantee freedom of the press in their constitution.
collocation: guarantee freedom of the press
Bao wrote a report about journalists risking their safety to defend freedom of the press.
collocation: defend freedom of the press
Without freedom of the press, citizens cannot learn about problems in their government.
The international group called on the country to restore freedom of the press.
- press freedom
shorter form, same meaning
- media freedom
broader — includes television and digital media
- editorial independence
focuses on the right of editors to make decisions without owner interference
- censorship
government control over what can be published
- state control of media
when the government decides what news is allowed
文法句型
freedom of the press + verb (singular)
用法筆記
Uncountable noun phrase; often appears with verbs like defend, protect, support, threaten, or restrict. The definite article 'the' is always used in the phrase itself but omitted when speaking about the concept generally.
常見錯誤
2. the condition in which journalists and news outlets can report facts and express
the condition in which journalists and news outlets can report facts and express opinions without officials removing or changing their work before it reaches the public
Nora believes that freedom of the press is essential for a healthy democracy.
Tamar accused the government of threatening freedom of the press by shutting down three news websites.
collocation: threaten freedom of the press
The editor defended freedom of the press when the police demanded to see unpublished notes.
In many countries, freedom of the press allows reporters to expose corruption without fear of arrest.
- press freedom
more compact, same meaning
- news reporting freedom
emphasizes the practical activity
- prior restraint
when the government blocks publication before it happens
- press censorship
government control over news content
文法句型
freedom of the press + verb (singular)
用法筆記
This sense focuses on the practical working conditions for journalists. Distinguish from sense 1 (BASIC RIGHT), which describes the general principle or legal concept, not the day-to-day reality of reporting.
3. a legal right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, allowi
a legal right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, allowing people to publish and share information and opinions without asking the government for permission first
The Supreme Court ruled that freedom of the press protects criticism of elected officials.
legal context: Supreme Court ruling
Walid studied how American courts have interpreted freedom of the press over the past century.
The lawyer argued that the ban violated her client's right to freedom of the press.
Legal scholars disagree on how broadly freedom of the press applies to bloggers and social media users.
- constitutional press protection
used in legal writing
- First Amendment press guarantee
specific to U.S. context
- prior restraint
government blocking publication before it happens — the opposite of what freedom of the press guarantees
文法句型
freedom of the press is guaranteed by [law/constitution]
用法筆記
This sense is specific to legal and constitutional contexts, especially U.S. law. Distinguish from sense 2 (MEDIA FREEDOM), which refers to the practical working conditions of journalists rather than the specific constitutional right.