The Hindu Editorial (​​​No fetters) – Jun 21, 2025

To read this article, click  “The Hindu”.

This preview is provided here with permission.

Courtesy: The Hindu

The Hindu Editorial (​​​No fetters) – Jun 21, 2025:

1. fetter (noun) – restrains, constrains, restrictions, curbs; shackles, handcuffs, chains.
2. extra-judicial (adjective) – out-of court, private, unauthorized/unwarranted (by law).
3. uphold (verb) – confirm, endorse, justify, approve, stand by, defend, vindicate, validate.
4. thespian (noun) – actor/actress; artist, entertainer, performer.
5. play a role or play a part (phrase) – have a part in, be involved in, be a factor in, contribute to, be instrumental in.
6. unequivocally (adverb) – absolutely, directly, clearly, obviously, explicitly, definitely, conclusively, unquestionably, unconditionally, categorically, unambiguously, unqualifiedly, outright.
7. assert (verb) – state, declare, insist , justify, pronounce, announce, posit, profess (strongly).
8. free speech (noun) – the right to express one’s opinions publicly (without any restraint).
9. stifle (verb) – constrain, restrain, prevent, hamper, impede, inhibit, repress.
10. recourse (noun) – option, choice, possibility/way out.
11. sentiment (noun) – feeling, point of view, thought, opinion.
12. following (preposition) – after, subsequent to, in the wake of, as a result of, ensuing.
13. comment (noun) – remark, statement, opinion.
14. proto- (prefix) – first, foremost, or earliest form of.
15. ancestor (noun) – an early version of something.
16. face (verb) – come across, run into, encounter, experience, meet.
17. suggest (verb) – advise, recommend, put forward, propose, encourage, urge.
18. apologise (verb) – say sorry, express regret, make an apology.
19. direction (noun) – command, order, instruction, recommendation, suggestion.
20. repudiate (verb) – cancel, revoke, override, overrule, overturn, invalidate, nullify, ignore; reject, disavow, disown, discard, rebuff; oppose, resist, object, deny.
21. position (noun) – stance, approach.
22. judiciary (noun) – a branch of government in which judicial power is vested.
23. guardian (noun) – protector, custodian, champion, defender.
24. due process (phrase) – (equally and fairly) correct process; fair treatment (per established principles & procedures). ​
25. Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) (noun) – It is a statutory film-certification body in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the Government of India. It is tasked with “regulating the public exhibition of films under the provisions of the Cinematograph Act 1952.
26. violate (verb) – breach, break, infract, contravene, offend, transgress, go against. 
27. rule of law (noun phrase) – it is described as “a principle of governance in which all persons, institutions and entities, public and private, including the State itself, are accountable to laws that are publicly promulgated, equally enforced and independently adjudicated, and which are consistent with international human rights norms and standards.
28. framework (noun) – structure, system, set-up.
29. the Cinematograph Act (noun) – The Cinematograph Act, 1952 (the Act), ensures that films fulfil the objectives prescribed by law. In the Act is a provision for the establishment of a Central Board of Film Certification (the Board). This is the regulatory body in India that issues a certificate to the makers of films for public exhibition.
30. design (verb) – plan, devise, develop, formulate, outline, create.
31. mandated (verb) – instructed, directed, ordered, required, made mandatory.
32. equip (verb) – provide, arm, furnish.
33. vet (verb) – assess, evaluate, apprise, examine, inspect, review, scrutinize, censor.
34. solely (adverb) – only, simply, just.
35. task with (verb) – assign a task/job to.
36. amorphous (adjective) – unstructured, indeterminate, formless, shapeless, vague.
37. intimidate (verb) – frighten, threaten, scare, browbeat, unnerve, terrify, overawe, bully.
38. give in (phrasal verb) – surrender, give up, capitulate, yield, submit, back down.
39. livelihood (noun) – means of making a living with the basic necessities (food, water, shelter and clothing); means of support, subsistence, source of income.
40. characterise (verb) – distinguish, set apart, indicate, denote, identify, specify.
41. infringement (noun) – breach, contravention, violation, breaking, non-observance.
42. freedom of speech (noun) – the right to express opinions without government interference.
43. freedom of expression (noun) – the ability of an individual or group of individuals to express their beliefs, thoughts, ideas, and emotions about different issues free from government censorship, restraint, or legal penalty.
44. emphatically (adverb) – decisively, resoundingly, conclusively, markedly, definitely.
45. reiterate (verb) – say something again; say again, repeat, retell, restate, iterate, recapitulate.
46. law and order (noun) – a condition in which the existing rules, regulations, norms and related legal codes are recognized and observed for the sustenance of peace, orderliness and security of lives and property in society.
47. in the face of (phrase) – despite, notwithstanding, regardless of; when confronted with.
48. divergent (adjective) – different, differing, varying, contradictory.
49. the state (noun) – the government.
50. regulated (adjective) – governed, systematic; restricted, controlled, checked.
51. distinct (adjective) – different, unassociated, unconnected, dissimilar, distinctive.
52. hate speech (noun) – abusive or disrespectful speech.
53. constitutional (adjective) – legitimate, official, legal, lawful.
54. distinction (noun) – difference, contrast, dissimilarity, variance.
55. underline (verb) –underscore, emphasise, highlight, stress, call/draw attention to.
56. legitimate (adjective) – legal, lawful; valid, reasonable, reliable.
57. designated (adjective) – appointed, assigned, delegated.
58. authority (noun) – official, officialdom, the system.
59. deserve (verb) – merit, warrant, justify, be worthy of.
60. moving forward (phrase) – going forward, from now on, in the future.
61. pave the way for (phrase) – clear the way for, make preparations for, put things in order for.
62. override (verb) – overrule, cancel, quash, nullify, repeal, revoke, invalidate, reverse.
63. hold accountable for (phrase) – to say that someone should accept the responsibility for something.  
64. hold someone accountable for (phrase) – to consider someone responsible for something; blame someone for something.
65. unwarranted (adjective) – unnecessary, unreasonable, unjustifiable, groundless, inappropriate, immoderate, inordinate, uncalled for.
66. scheduled (adjective) – planned, expected, due, anticipated, slated, awaited.
67. police (verb) – regulate, control, check.
68. dissent (noun) – opposition, objection, disapproval, disagreement, difference of opinion.

Note : 

1. Click each one of the words above for their definition, more synonyms, pronunciation, example sentences, phrases, derivatives, origin and etc. from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/.

2. Definitions (elementary level) & Synonyms provided for the words above are my personal work and not that of Oxford University Press. Tentative definitions/meanings are provided for study purposes only and they may vary in a different context.  

3. This word list is for personal use only. Reproduction in any format and/or Commercial use of it is/are strictly prohibited.

The Hindu Editorial (​​​No fetters) – Jun 21, 2025: