chilling effect
- An influence or consequence that discourages or obstructs a particular action or behavior, typically considered unpleasant or undesirable
- The strict regulations on free speech might create a chilling effect, causing people to self-censor out of fear.
- The threat of potential lawsuits has a chilling effect on the firm's decision to produce new products.
- The chilling effect of the new taxation policy has resulted in businesses being wary of expansion.
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