English UsageComparison guide
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
Censor Corerestrict or remove content
Censure Corestrong or official criticism/disapproval
Termscensor, censure
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