censor n. & v. M16. [L., f. censere pronounce as an opinion, rate, assess: see – or.] A n. 1 Hist. Either of two magistrates in ancient Rome who compiled censuses of its citizens, etc., and supervised public morals. M16. 2 A person who exercises supervision or judgement over the conduct or morals of others. L16. 3 An adverse critic; a person who censures or finds fault Now rare. L16. 4 An official with the power to suppress the whole or parts of books, plays, films, etc., on the grounds of obscenity, seditiousness, etc. M17. b An official who, esp. in times of war, is emproved to censor private letters, news reports, etc. E20. 5 Psychol. [mistr. G Zensur censorship (Freud).] A mental power by which certain anxiety-provoking unconscious ideas and memories are prevented from emerging into consciousness. E20. B v.i. Act as censor of; oficially inspect and make deletions or charges in (a book, film, article, letter, etc.). L19.

         censorable a. subject to censorship; in need of censorship: E20.