Use censor (verb/noun) to mean to suppress or remove unacceptable parts of content — censor a film. Use censure (verb/noun) to mean to formally criticise or reprimand someone — the senator was censured.
The Core Difference
“Censor” means to examine and suppress or remove material considered unacceptable, offensive, or dangerous, such as in books, films, or media: the government censors the press. As a noun, a “censor” is the person who does this.
“Censure” means to express strong, formal disapproval or criticism of someone, often officially, such as by a government body: the committee voted to censure the minister.
- suppress/remove content → censor: the film was heavily censored
- formally criticise/reprimand → censure: the senate voted to censure him
Censor and Censure in Context
The regime tried to censor any negative news coverage.
The senator was formally censured for his conduct.
Certain scenes were censored before the film’s release.
The board issued a strong censure against the director.
Some countries censor internet access heavily.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| ✗ the committee decided to censor the official | ✓ the committee decided to censure the official | formally criticise |
| ✗ the film was heavily censured for violence | ✓ the film was heavily censored for violence | content was suppressed |
| ✗ a formal censor from the board | ✓ a formal censure from the board | formal reprimand |
| ✗ the government censures the press | ✓ the government censors the press | suppresses content |
| ✗ he received a strong censor for his remarks | ✓ he received a strong censure for his remarks | formal criticism |
CENSOR sounds like “SORt out” — removing or sorting out unwanted content. CENSURE sounds like “SURE, you did wrong” — a formal statement of disapproval about behaviour.
Related Questions
- Censor vs Censure — full confusing-words comparison page with additional examples and exercises.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the clearest way to remember censor vs censure?
Link “censor” to sorting/removing content (censor = SORt through and remove). Link “censure” to being SURE someone acted wrongly and formally saying so — a statement of disapproval, not a removal of content.
Are censor and censure pronounced the same?
No — “censor” ends with a soft “-ser” sound, while “censure” ends with a “-shur” sound, similar to “pressure”. They are close but distinguishable in careful speech.
What is the noun form of "censure"?
“Censure” itself is both a noun and a verb: as a noun, it means the formal expression of disapproval: “The senate issued a censure.”
Is "censorship" related to "censor"?
Yes — “censorship” is the noun describing the practice or system of censoring content, especially by a government or authority: “strict censorship of the media.”
Can a person be "censored"?
Less commonly than content, but yes — a person can be censored in the sense of having their speech or writing restricted or suppressed, though this use is less frequent than censoring books, films, or media.
What does "vote of censure" mean in politics?
It is a formal, official statement by a legislative body strongly disapproving of an official’s conduct, though it does not remove them from office (unlike impeachment).
Is "censor" only used by governments?
No — individuals, companies, schools, and platforms can all censor content, such as social media companies censoring certain posts or removing offensive material.
Does "censure" always come from an official body?
Typically yes — censure is most often formal and comes from an organisation, committee, or legislative body, though it can occasionally describe strong personal disapproval in more general usage.
Why do these two words get confused so often?
Because they share the same root (Latin “censere”, to assess or judge) and a very similar spelling, yet one is about controlling content and the other is about formally criticising behaviour — two related but distinct outcomes of “judging”.
Which word fits: "The newspaper was accused of trying to ___ the story"?
“Censor” — because the sentence is about suppressing or controlling content, not about formally criticising someone’s behaviour.