censor
UK[ˈsensə(r)]US[ˈsensər]
n
an official who examines books, films, etc. and removes or bans any parts that are considered offensive, morally harmful, or politically dangerous
v
to remove or ban parts of a book, film, etc., or to suppress information, typically for political or moral reasons
Morpheme Breakdown
cens
or
cens
to assess
or
agent suffix
Etymology
the word 'censor' originates from the latin term 'censor', which was the title of a roman magistrate responsible for conducting the census, assessing property, and overseeing public morals. this latin noun derives from the verb 'censēre', meaning to assess, judge, or estimate. the core semantic thread from its ancient origin to its modern meaning is the concept of authoritative judgment and evaluation. over time, the role evolved from assessing citizens and property to judging the acceptability of information and expression, leading to its contemporary sense of an official who suppresses speech or media deemed objectionable.
Analysis
Structure: cens (to assess) + or (agent suffix)
cens (from latin 'censēre', meaning to assess, judge, estimate); or (from latin agent suffix '-or', denoting a person who performs an action)
Examples
the film had to be edited by the censor before it could be released.
governments sometimes censor news reports during times of war.
she argued that the school board was acting as a censor of student creativity.