free speech

== English == === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /fɹiː ˈspiːtʃ/ === Noun === free speech (uncountable) Freedom of speech; the ability or right to express one's opinions, particularly (strictly) the legal right to do so without the government forbidding it via laws, but also (loosely) the ability to do so without facing social repercussions, or one's employer firing one for it, or social media sites not hosting it on their platforms, etc. Synonym: freedom of speech 1929, Oliver Wendell Holmes (Jr.), The Dissenting Opinions of Mr. Justice Holmes, page 234: The most stringent protection of free speech would not protect a man in falsely shouting fire in a theater and causing a panic. Speech which is protected by this right; public expression of one's opinions that is, or merits being, protected from restraint or censorship. 1963, Supreme Court of the United States October Term, 1963, case of George Albert Rutherford against the United States of America (link): […] shouting fire-panic-in-theatre is not free speech at all. It is an explosive, deadly action. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Related terms ==== free as in speech free-spoken hate speech ==== Translations ==== === See also === compelled speech freedom of movement freedom of contract freedom of the press freedom of religion freedom of assembly right to keep and bear arms