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English Lexicon

News blackout

/ˈnuːz ˌblæk.aʊt/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #28500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A deliberate withholding or restriction of information from the public or the media by authorities or organizations.

    "The government imposed a strict news blackout on the ongoing military operation."
  2. 2

    A temporary cessation of news coverage regarding a specific event or topic.

    "The media consortium agreed to a news blackout during the delicate hostage negotiations."
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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term combines the noun 'news' (dating back to the 16th century, meaning newly received information) and 'blackout', which originated in the early 20th century to describe the extinction of lights for military concealment or a temporary loss of electrical power. By mid-20th century, 'blackout' metaphorically extended to the suppression or restriction of information dissemination, resulting in the compound 'news blackout'.

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