Censor vs. Censure
“Censor” means suppressing, removing, or restricting material judged unsuitable or sensitive. “Censure” means expressing strong criticism or official disapproval.
Use “censor” for restricting content and “censure” for condemning conduct: “The film was censored,” but “The committee censured the member.”
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| restrict, suppress, or remove content | censor | use the content-control word |
| formally or strongly condemn conduct | censure | use the criticism/condemnation word |
Quick tests
Meaning test
Do you mean restricting what may be published, shown, or communicated?
If yes: Use “censor.”
If no: If you mean formally condemn or criticize conduct, use “censure.”
Caveat: The words are similar in spelling but not interchangeable in meaning.
Examples
The broadcaster censored the offensive image.
“Censor” means restrict or suppress content.
The committee censured the member for violating its rules.
“Censure” means formally condemn.
The board censored the director for misconduct.
Better: The board censured the director for misconduct.
If the intended meaning is formal condemnation, use “censured.”
Further guidance
Core difference
Censor acts on information or expression; censure expresses disapproval of a person, action, or conduct.
Fast Test
Remove/suppress content → censor. Condemn/criticize → censure.
Grammar
Both can be verbs; “censor” is also a noun for a person or system that censors, while “censure” is also a noun for strong criticism.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Censor — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Meaning of censor as suppress or remove material
- Censure — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge University Press · Meaning of censure as strong or official criticism