shouting fire in a crowded theater
The term originates from a 1919 Supreme Court case to illustrate the limits of free speech, particularly when causing unnecessary panic or harm.
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Definition
C1Legal
(formal)Speech that is not protected under free speech laws because it poses a clear and present danger to public safety.
Example
- The court ruled that his actions were akin to shouting fire in a crowded theater, thus not protected by the First Amendment.
B2General
(metaphor)An analogy for actions or speech that create unnecessary panic or chaos.
Example
- Spreading false rumors about a crisis is like shouting fire in a crowded theater.