Censorship is the act of blocking, removing, or controlling information, ideas, or creative works that someone in authority finds objectionable or dangerous. When a government practices censorship, it might ban certain books, block websites, or prevent newspapers from publishing stories it doesn't like. When a school library removes books because of their content, that's also censorship.

Censorship can target many things: words, images, music, movies, news reports, or even scientific research. Sometimes censors black out text in documents or cut scenes from films. Other times they simply refuse to let something be published or shared at all.

Throughout history, people have debated whether censorship is ever justified. Some argue that certain material, like graphic violence or false information, should be restricted to protect people, especially children. Others worry that censorship gives too much power to authorities and prevents the free exchange of ideas that helps societies grow and improve.

The word can also be used more casually. If your parents won't let you watch a certain movie because of its content, you might joke that they're censoring your entertainment. Or if someone keeps interrupting to stop you from finishing your story, you might say they're trying to censor you.

The opposite of censorship is freedom of expression: the idea that people should be able to share their thoughts and creations without someone in power silencing them.