orden de mordaza
/oɾden de moɾdaθa/from spelling rules
The English phrase gag order is translated into Spanish as orden de mordaza.
Meaning: an order issued by a court (noun)
Which one should you use?
orden de silencio is used when a more formal tone is required.
How do you pronounce it?
/oɾden de moɾdaθa/
Did you know?
- The word mordaza literally refers to a physical gag or a muzzle placed over a mouth to prevent speaking. Using it in orden de mordaza creates a much more vivid and aggressive image than the English 'gag order'.
- The word mordaza shares its roots with the Latin 'mordax', meaning 'biting'. It is the same root that gives English the word 'mordant', used to describe something sharp or biting in tone.
- In some Spanish-speaking countries, the term ley mordaza is used to describe entire pieces of legislation that restrict freedom of speech or assembly, rather than a single court order.
Examples in context
- Se emitió una orden de silencioA gag order was issued
- El juez impuso una orden de silencio a los testigos en el juicio.The judge imposed a gag order on the witnesses in the trial.
- La empresa solicitó una orden de silencio para proteger su información confidencial.The company requested a gag order to protect its confidential information.
- La fiscalía busca obtener una orden de silencio para garantizar la imparcialidad del juicio.The prosecution is seeking to obtain a gag order to ensure the impartiality of the trial.
- El gobierno impuso una prohibición de hablar sobre el tema hasta nuevo aviso.The government imposed a gag order on discussing the matter until further notice.
- Me pidieron que firmara una orden de no divulgar información relacionada con el proyecto.They asked me to sign a gag order regarding the project.
Example conversation
Two lawyers discussing a high-profile court case.
- MaríaMateo, ¿ya viste la orden de mordaza?Mateo, did you see the gag order yet?
- MateoSí, María, es muy restrictiva.Yes, María, it is very restrictive.
- MaríaNo podemos decir nada sobre el caso.We cannot say anything about the case.
- MateoTienes razón, debemos seguir la orden.You are right, we must follow the order.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, mordaza, orden, CC BY-SA 4.0.
