a usually undesirable discouraging effect or influence [the chilling effect it will have on the assertion of legitimate claims "S. V. Bomse"] used esp. of First Amendment violations

self-suppression of speech or actions because of a fear of reprisals or penalties

Chilling effect is a term in law and communication that describes a situation where a speech or conduct is suppressed by fear of penalization at the interests of an individual or group. It can affect [..]

The lowering of the Earth's temperature because of increased particles in the air blocking the sun's rays. (See: greenhouse effect.)

The lowering of the Earth's temperature because of increased particles in the air blocking the sun's rays. (See: greenhouse effect.)

the idea that vague and overly broad rules regulating speech are likely to result in people censoring themselves, even censoring acceptable speech, since they cannot be sure whether their speech is illegal or not.