Censor vs. censure

What does censor mean?

As a verb, censor means to suppress parts of a book, film or other content that have been deemed unacceptable. Censor can also be a noun which means an official who examines books, films or other content to suppress parts that are deemed unacceptable.

For example:

• The film was deemed suitable for children by the censors (noun).

• The news station censored her swearing (verb).

What does censure mean?

Censure is a verb which means to express disapproval of something, usually in a formal statement. As a noun censure means the formal expression of this disapproval.

For example:

• The board censured the CEO for his poor management skills.

What’s the difference between censor and censure?

Censor means to suppress parts of a book, film or other content that have been deemed unacceptable while censure means to express disapproval in a formal statement.

• The actors censured the government for censoring parts of their film.