To censor is to suppress or remove material from what people can see or hear. A sensor is a device that detects a condition or change. Think of a device sensing smoke or motion when you need sensor.
Contrast removing material with detecting a change
- “The board voted to censor parts of the broadcast.” It decided to withhold part of the material.
- “A motion sensor switched on the light as we approached.” The device detected movement.
Censor can name a person
A censor can be a person or official who examines material and decides what may be shown. A sensor registers something in its surroundings, such as temperature, light, or smoke.
Try it
“The gallery installed a temperature ___ and refused to ___ the artist’s statement.”
Show the answer
Use sensor for the device and censor for the action of suppressing material.
See also Elicit vs. Illicit.
