motorboat pronunciation and meaning

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IPA : ˈməʊtəbəʊt

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Phonetic spelling of motorboat

mo-tor-boat 0 rating rating ratings Private moh-ter-boht 0 rating rating ratings John Yundt

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Meanings for motorboat

The meaning of this word refers to the board propelled with the internal combustion. 0 rating rating ratings Gisselle Little

Synonyms for motorboat

boat 0 rating rating ratings Karl Treutel powerboat 0 rating rating ratings Chris Bodragon

Learn more about the word "motorboat" , its origin, alternative forms, and usage from Wiktionary.

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Examples of in a sentence

As the sun rose on Lake Arrowhead late last week, four guys on a motorboat armed with 5,739 pounds of white powder set out to tackle one of Texas' most vexing water problems — evaporation from surface reservoirs 0 rating rating ratings Lela Kilback WICHITA FALLS — As the sun rose on Lake Arrowhead late last week, four guys on a motorboat armed with 5,739 pounds of white powder set out to tackle one of Texas' most vexing water problems — evaporation from surface reservoirs 0 rating rating ratings Doris Hirthe

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motorboat pronunciation with meanings, synonyms, antonyms, translations, sentences and more

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Definition of motorboat

• stinkpot [ slang ]

Examples of motorboat in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'motorboat.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1890, in the meaning defined above

Dictionary Entries Near motorboat

Cite this entry.

“Motorboat.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motorboat. Accessed 20 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of motorboat, more from merriam-webster on motorboat.

Nglish: Translation of motorboat for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of motorboat for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about motorboat

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a boat propelled by an inboard or outboard motor .

to travel in or operate a motorboat: to motorboat from Hyannis to Martha's Vineyard.

Origin of motorboat

Other words from motorboat.

• mo·tor·boat·er, noun

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use motorboat in a sentence

In our own country we own three motorboats, with which we often cruise up and down the Mississippi River and others.

The prize for motorboats goes to my son Stuart for his funny-looking contraption!

The increasing noise of the engines behind them told them that the motorboats had caught up with them.

Others of the Willowbend campers had rowboats for the season; and some even owned their own motorboats.

Then they moored the skiff to the motorboats buoy and soon the Nimble Shanks was away, down the cove.

British Dictionary definitions for motorboat

/ ( ˈməʊtəˌbəʊt ) /

any boat powered by a motor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Pronunciation (US):    (GB): 

Ipa (us): .

  Dictionary entry overview: What does motorboat mean?  

• MOTORBOAT (noun)   The noun MOTORBOAT has 1 sense:

  Familiarity information: MOTORBOAT used as a noun is very rare.

• MOTORBOAT (verb)   The verb MOTORBOAT has 1 sense:

  Familiarity information: MOTORBOAT used as a verb is very rare.

  Dictionary entry details  

• MOTORBOAT (noun)

Sense 1

A boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

motorboat; powerboat

Hypernyms ("motorboat" is a kind of...):

boat (a small vessel for travel on water)

Meronyms (parts of "motorboat"):

helm (steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered)

ICE ; internal-combustion engine (a heat engine in which combustion occurs inside the engine rather than in a separate furnace; heat expands a gas that either moves a piston or turns a gas turbine)

windscreen ; windshield (transparent screen (as of glass) to protect occupants of a vehicle)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "motorboat"):

cabin cruiser ; cruiser ; pleasure boat ; pleasure craft (a large motorboat that has a cabin and plumbing and other conveniences necessary for living on board)

launch (a motorboat with an open deck or a half deck)

outboard ; outboard motorboat (a motorboat with an outboard motor)

speedboat (a fast motorboat)

scooter ; sea scooter ; water scooter (a motorboat resembling a motor scooter)

Derivation:

motorboat (ride in a motorboat)

• MOTORBOAT (verb)

Ride in a motorboat

Verbs of walking, flying, swimming

Hypernyms (to "motorboat" is one way to...):

boat (ride in a boat on water)

Sentence frame:

Somebody ----s

motorboat (a boat propelled by an internal-combustion engine)

Words and phrases

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motor-boat verb

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What does the verb motor-boat mean?

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the verb motor-boat . See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

motor-boat has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

How common is the verb motor-boat ?

How is the verb motor-boat pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the verb motor-boat come from.

Earliest known use

The earliest known use of the verb motor-boat is in the 1900s.

OED's earliest evidence for motor-boat is from 1903, in Rudder .

It is also recorded as a noun from the 1870s.

motor-boat is formed within English, by conversion.

Etymons: motor boat n.

Nearby entries

• motor bicycle, n. 1894–
• motor-bicycle, v. 1960–
• motor-bicycling, n. 1912–
• motor bicyclist, n. 1908–
• motorbike, n. 1895–
• motorbike, v. 1944–
• motorbike grind, n. 1942–
• motorbiking, n. 1913–
• motorboard, n. 1922–
• motor boat, n. 1871–
• motor-boat, v. 1903–
• motor-boating, n. 1905–
• motor-boatist, n. 1908–
• motor bus, n. 1896–
• motor-bus, v. 1915–
• motorcade, n. 1910–
• motorcade, v. 1965–
• motor camp, n. 1925–
• motor cannon, n. 1889–
• motor car, n. 1878–
• motor caravan, n. 1909–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, entry history for motor-boat, v..

Originally published as part of the entry for motor-boating, n.

motor-boat, v. was revised in December 2002.

motor-boat, v. was last modified in July 2023.

oed.com is a living text, updated every three months. Modifications may include:

• further revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into motor-boat, v. in July 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

A Supplement to the OED, Volume II (1976)

• Find out more

OED Second Edition (1989)

• View motor-boating, vbl. n. in OED Second Edition

Please submit your feedback for motor-boat, v.

Please include your email address if you are happy to be contacted about your feedback. OUP will not use this email address for any other purpose.

Citation details

Factsheet for motor-boat, v., browse entry.

Meaning of "motorboat" in the English dictionary

Pronunciation of motorboat, grammatical category of motorboat, what does motorboat mean in english.

Definition of motorboat in the English dictionary

The definition of motorboat in the dictionary is any boat powered by a motor.

WORDS THAT RHYME WITH MOTORBOAT

Words that begin like motorboat, words that end like motorboat, synonyms and antonyms of motorboat in the english dictionary of synonyms, words relating to «motorboat», translation of «motorboat» into 25 languages.

TRANSLATION OF MOTORBOAT

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FREQUENCY OF USE OF THE TERM «MOTORBOAT» OVER TIME

Examples of use in the english literature, quotes and news about motorboat, quotes with «motorboat», 10 english books relating to «motorboat», 10 news items which include the term «motorboat».

What Happens If You Motorboat Someone? (Here’s What You Need To Know)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to motorboat someone? But what is motorboating, and what are the potential consequences of doing it? Before you start motorboating, it’s important to understand the different types and the importance of consent.

In this article, we’ll discuss motorboating in both romantic and professional settings, and offer some tips for motorboating discreetly.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about motorboating.

Table of Contents

Short Answer

Motorboating is when someone puts their face between two peoples chests and makes a loud vibrating noise with their lips.

Depending on the context, motorboating someone can be seen as either funny or offensive.

The reaction a person has to being motorboated will depend on how they perceive the gesture and the relationship they have with the person motorboating them.

What is Motorboating?

Motorboating is the act of pressing one’s face into someone’s chest and moving the head from side to side while making a loud, vibrating sound.

It is usually done as a joke or a way to show affection, but it can also be seen as a sexual gesture.

The sound that is made is meant to imitate the sound of a motorboat engine.

This act has been around for many years, but recently it has become more popular as a result of a few viral internet videos.

Motorboating is often seen as a funny and harmless way to show affection.

It can be done between friends, family, or romantic partners and usually results in laughter and good-natured teasing.

In some cases, it can even be seen as a sign of endearment and a way to show appreciation.

However, it is important to remember that motorboating someone without their consent can be seen as disrespectful and inappropriate.

It is important to be mindful of the relationship between the two parties and motorboat someone only with their permission.

Different Types of Motorboating

Motorboating is a term that has been around for quite some time, but most people don’t really know what it is.

Motorboating is a gesture of affection, usually between two people, where one person presses their face into the other person’s chest and moves their head from side to side while making a loud, vibrating sound.

This gesture is seen as humorous and often sexual in nature.

It is most commonly seen in popular culture, such as movies and TV shows, and is often used as a way to show affection between two people.

There are a variety of different types of motorboating that can be done.

For example, some people may choose to motorboat someone with their eyes closed, while others may choose to motorboat someone with their eyes open.

Other variations include motorboating someone with a tongue, or motorboating someone from behind.

Each type of motorboating has its own unique effects, so it is important to choose the method that best fits the situation.

Another type of motorboating is called the double motorboat, which is a combination of two different motorboating techniques.

In this type of motorboating, both participants press their faces into each other’s chests and move their heads from side to side while making a loud, vibrating sound.

This type of motorboating is often used to show a greater level of affection between two people and can be a very intimate gesture.

No matter what type of motorboating is done, it is important to always be respectful of the other person and to make sure that both parties are comfortable with the action.

Motorboating someone should never be done without their consent, as this could lead to legal repercussions.

Motorboating is a fun and often humorous gesture, but it should always be done with discretion and respect.

The Potential Consequences of Motorboating

Motorboating is a gesture that can be funny, affectionate, or even provocative, depending on the relationship between the two people involved.

Depending on the situation, motorboating someone can have a variety of different consequences.

If motorboating is done between two people who are in a relationship, it can be seen as a fun and innocent way to show affection.

It can also be used as a playful tease between two people who are flirting or in a budding relationship.

However, if motorboating is done without the other person’s consent, it can be viewed as disrespectful and offensive.

Depending on the context, it could even lead to legal repercussions.

In a professional setting, motorboating can be highly inappropriate and should be avoided at all costs.

In some cases, it may violate the employer’s code of conduct or even lead to a hostile work environment.

For example, if an employee motorboats a coworker, it could be seen as sexual harassment and result in disciplinary action.

Ultimately, motorboating someone should be done with discretion and respect.

It is important to be aware of the potential consequences before engaging in such an activity.

If motorboating is done without the other person’s consent, it could have serious legal and professional repercussions.

On the other hand, if it is done in a respectful and consensual manner, it can be a fun and playful way to show affection.

Motorboating and Consent

Motorboating someone without their consent is never acceptable and can lead to serious legal repercussions.

It is important to ensure that the person you are motorboating is comfortable and willing to partake in the act before proceeding.

When motorboating someone, it is important to remember that it is an intimate act and should never be taken lightly.

Consent should always be sought before motorboating someone and both parties should be comfortable with the act.

In some cases, motorboating someone without their consent can be seen as sexual assault.

For this reason, it is essential to be aware of the laws in your region regarding motorboating and sexual assault.

In some areas, motorboating someone without their consent could be considered a criminal act.

It is also important to remember that even if the other person has agreed to the act, it is still possible for them to change their mind at any time.

Respect their wishes and stop the motorboating immediately if they are not comfortable.

Motorboating in a Romantic Relationship

When it comes to motorboating in a romantic relationship, there are both positive and negative consequences to consider.

On one hand, motorboating can be a fun and silly way to show affection and flirt with ones partner.

It can be seen as a playful and lighthearted gesture that can help to break the ice and bring some levity to a relationship.

Additionally, motorboating can be a form of sexual foreplay, which can increase the intimacy between two people.

On the other hand, motorboating can be seen as inappropriate or even disrespectful in some cases.

It is important to always have respect for your partner and their wishes – motorboating should not be done without their consent.

Additionally, motorboating can also be seen as a sign of disrespect or a lack of intimacy if done too frequently or in a negative or mocking manner.

It is important to be aware of the dynamics of the relationship and the feelings of both parties before engaging in motorboating.

Motorboating in a Professional Setting

Motorboating someone in a professional setting is a risky move and should be avoided at all costs.

While motorboating can be seen as a humorous and often sexual gesture, it is highly inappropriate in a professional environment.

Doing so could be seen as disrespectful and offensive and could lead to legal repercussions if done without the other person’s consent.

It is important to remember that motorboating someone in a professional setting can be misconstrued as sexual harassment.

Depending on the relationship between the two parties, it could have serious repercussions for the perpetrator, ranging from a reprimand up to potential legal action.

Even if the other person is a friend or colleague, motorboating them in a professional setting is still a bad idea.

Before engaging in any kind of potentially inappropriate behavior, it is important to consider the potential consequences.

For example, if you motorboat someone in a professional setting, you may be creating an uncomfortable and hostile work environment for those around you.

Additionally, it could also put you at risk for termination, suspension, or even legal action.

At the end of the day, it is important to respect the boundaries of those around you and to exercise discretion when engaging in any kind of potentially inappropriate behavior.

Motorboating someone in a professional setting is never a good idea and should be avoided at all costs.

Tips for Motorboating Discreetly

Motorboating someone should always be done with respect and discretion.

Before you motorboat someone, make sure that they are comfortable with the gesture and have given their consent.

Respect their wishes if they decline or ask you to stop.

If you are unsure of the other persons reaction, start by asking if they would like to be motorboated.

If you are in a relationship with the person, it is important to make sure that your motorboating is consensual.

Talk to your partner about what they are comfortable with and respect their wishes.

If you are not in a relationship, it is best to avoid motorboating altogether, as it can be seen as disrespectful and offensive.

When motorboating someone, try to be discreet.

Do not do it in public or in front of children.

Make sure that the person is comfortable with the gesture and that you are not making them feel embarrassed or uncomfortable.

Finally, make sure to be aware of the legal implications of motorboating someone without their consent.

Depending on the situation, it may be considered sexual harassment or even assault.

Respect the other persons boundaries and be aware of the potential consequences of motorboating someone without their consent.

Final Thoughts

Motorboating is a fun and often humorous way to show affection, but it must be done with discretion and respect.

Depending on the relationship between two parties, motorboating someone can have a variety of consequences, including legal repercussions if done without consent.

If you choose to motorboat someone, be sure to practice consent, use discretion, and be aware of the potential consequences.

Now that you know what happens if you motorboat someone, it’s up to you to decide if this is something you would like to experience or share with someone else.

James Frami

At the age of 15, he and four other friends from his neighborhood constructed their first boat. He has been sailing for almost 30 years and has a wealth of knowledge that he wants to share with others.

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What does Motorboat mean?

Other definitions of Motorboat:

• To motorboat someone, place your face between their breasts, squishing them together, rock your head side to side (or have them jiggle back and forth), and making an audible "brrrr" noise, which sounds like a motorboat.

All of our slang term and phrase definitions are made possible by our wonderful visitors. If you know of another definition of Motorboat that should be included here, please let us know .

How to use the term Motorboat :

It's doubtful she derives much pleasure other than seeing your amusement when you're motorboating.

Oh, motorboat me harder, baby! Yes, just like that!

References:

There are no references for Motorboat at this time. We would greatly appreciate your contribution if you would like to submit your own !

More slang terms:

Dont let it bother you

Later loser

Where the fuck are you

Submit a new or better definition for Motorboat

Thus concludes our slang archive for motorboat..

We hope you have found this useful. If you have any additional definitions of Motorboat that should be on this list, or know of any slang terms that we haven't already published, click here to let us know!

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Government strengthens approach to counter extremism

Definition of extremism updated to respond to increased extremist threat since October 7 terror attacks in Israel.

• Definition of extremism updated to respond to increased extremist threat since October 7 terror attacks in Israel
• New engagement principles published to ensure government does not legitimise extremist groups 
• Follows Prime Minister’s commitment to stamp out extremism to ensure we keep our citizens safe and our country secure                 

An updated, more focused definition designed to help tackle the ever-evolving threat of extremism in the UK has been published by the government today (14 March 2024).

The updated and more precise definition of extremism will be used by government departments and officials alongside a set of engagement principles , to ensure they are not inadvertently providing a platform, funding or legitimacy to groups or individuals who attempt to advance extremist ideologies that negate our fundamental rights and freedoms and overturn the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy. This definition is not statutory and has no effect on the existing criminal law – it applies to the operations of government itself.

Since the 7 October Hamas terror attacks in Israel concerns have been raised about the wide-ranging risk of radicalisation. On hate crime, since 7 October the Community Security Trust recorded 4,103 antisemitic incidents in the UK in 2023, an increase of 147% compared to 2022, and Tell MAMA recorded a 335% increase in anti-Muslim hate cases in the last four months. 

As the Prime Minister said recently, this kind of behaviour and intimidation is unacceptable, does not reflect the values of the United Kingdom and must be resisted at all times.

The new definition and engagement principles will make sure those who promote extreme ideologies or spread hate in their communities are not legitimised through their interactions with government. Following publication, the government will undertake a robust process to assess groups for extremism against the definition, which will then inform decisions around government engagement and funding.

It is the first in a series of steps to promote social cohesion, democratic resilience, and to counter extremism and religious hatred. 

Michael Gove, Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: 

The United Kingdom is a success story – a multi-national, multi-ethnic, multi-faith democracy. It is stronger because of its diversity.   But our democracy and our values of inclusivity and tolerance are under challenge from extremists. In order to protect our democratic values, it is important both to reinforce what we have in common and to be clear and precise in identifying the dangers posed by extremism.  The pervasiveness of extremist ideologies has become increasingly clear in the aftermath of the 7 October attacks and poses a real risk to the security of our citizens and our democracy. This is the work of Extreme Right-Wing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities. They seek to radicalise individuals, deny people their full rights, suppress freedom of expression, incite hatred, and undermine our democratic institutions. Today’s measures will ensure that government does not inadvertently provide a platform to those setting out to subvert democracy and deny other people’s fundamental rights. This is the first in a series of measures to tackle extremism and protect our democracy.

The new definition provides a stricter characterisation that government can use to make sure that extremist organisations and individuals are not being legitimised or given a platform through their interactions with government. It reads: 

Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: 

• negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or
• undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or
• intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2).

The new definition is narrower and more precise than the 2011 Prevent definition, which did not provide the detail we now need to assess and identify extremism. This new definition helps clearly articulate how extremism is evidenced through the public behaviour of extremists that advance their violent, hateful or intolerant aims.

It draws on the work of Dame Sara Khan and Sir Mark Rowley’s 2021 Operating with Impunity Report and addresses key recommendations from the 2023 Independent Review of Prevent .

The definition is clear that extremism involves advancing or promoting an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, a high bar that only captures the most concerning of activities. It is not about silencing those with private and peaceful beliefs – nor will it affect free speech, which will always be protected.

It does not create new powers, it instead helps the government and our partners better to identify extremist organisations, individuals and behaviours. 

Alongside the new definition, the government is also publishing a set of engagement principles which are designed to help officials to engage more widely whilst mitigating the risk of undertaking engagement that undermines government’s core aims to:

• maintain public confidence in government
• uphold democratic values
• protect the rights and freedoms of others

UK Ministerial departments will be expected to consider the engagement standards when deciding whether to move forward with engagement with groups that meet the new definition. This will ensure the government does not meet, fund or provide a platform to extremist groups or individuals. It will also apply to the honours system and due diligence for public appointments. Non-central government institutions, such as arms-length bodies, higher education institutions and independent organisations including the police and CPS, will not be obliged to adopt the definition or apply the engagement principles initially.

To ensure that government has the tools it needs to effectively counter extremism, a new counter-extremism centre of excellence has been established in the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. This unit will provide leadership for the cross-government counter-extremism community, ensure consistent application of the definition and engagement standards, and take the lead on producing strategic assessments of extremism.

This team will draw on the expertise of the Commission for Countering Extremism as well as counter extremism policy fellows – some of the country’s foremost counter-extremism experts – will join the centre of excellence to ensure the very best academic insight is shaping our approach.  

Lord Walney, Independent Adviser on Political Violence and Disruption, said: 

The threat to Britain from extremists includes those who may not use violence directly yet target our core values, so it is welcome that this updated definition includes those who seek to undermine or replace liberal democracy.  Greater clarity in defining extremism can underpin a concerted approach across civil society to protect our country.

Professor Ian Acheson, Senior Advisor, Counter Extremism Project said: 

These are necessary next steps to confront and deter those who advocate for violent extremism. Hateful anti-British ideas that undermine our democracy creating intimidation and fear need ideologues to drive them. It is intolerable that the state underwrites people and organisations poisoning community life in one of the most successful multi-ethnic countries in the world.

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Michael Gove names far-right and Islamist groups which could fall under fresh extremism definition

The communities secretary insisted the government has no intention of restricting "freedom of expression, religion or belief", as critics warned the new definition could have a "chilling effect" on free speech.

Political reporter @NifS

Thursday 14 March 2024 19:58, UK

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Michael Gove has named five groups that will be re-assessed as a result of the government's new definition of extremism.

Speaking in the Commons, the communities secretary said two far-right organisations - the British National Socialist Movement and the Patriotic Alternative - and three Islamist organisations - the Muslim Association of Britain, Cage and Mend - were groups "we should be concerned" about.

Follow live: Reaction as Gove gives extremism statement to MPs

Speaking after the government announced the new definition of extremism this morning, the minister said it was "critically important we do not unwittingly or through ignorance fund or support organisations who are themselves extremist" as it had been the case in the past that "extremist groups and actors have sought to present themselves as moderate voices representative of majority or mainstream opinion".

Mr Gove also sought to reassure critics the plan was "in no way intending to restrict freedom of expression, religion or belief", saying gender critical campaigners, trans activists, those with conservative religious views and environmental protest groups would not be included.

But, he added: "The government cannot be in a position where, unwittingly or not, we sponsor, subsidise or support in any way organisations or individuals opposed to the freedoms we hold dear."

Labour's deputy leader, Angela Rayner, agreed that "hateful extremism threatens the safety of our communities and the unity of our country," and was "a serious problem which demands a serious response".

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But she criticised how long it had taken the government to act since their last definition was introduced in 2011, and said it was "deeply concerning" that extremists had already "benefited from government engagement, endorsement and support".

Ms Rayner also raised concerns about how the announcement had been trailed, with leaks detailing organisations that could face reassessment after the definition came into force.

Mr Gove revealed an investigation into the leaks had been launched, saying it was "fundamentally a challenge to the effective operation of government".

The new definition described extremism as "the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance" that aims to "negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others" or "undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights".

It also includes those who "intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve" either of those aims.

The update came as part of a ministerial drive to clamp down on the Islamist and far-right extremism that has intensified in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war.

But some critics have raised concerns that it could have a "chilling effect" on free speech, while others say it doesn't go far enough and there needs to be a change in the law to tackle extremism.

Mr Gove pointed to five specific groups that would come in for further scrutiny now the new definition is in place.

After warning the "activities of the extreme right-wing are a growing worry", the minister said: "Across this House, I am sure that we would agree that organisations such as the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative, who promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno state and the targeting of minority groups by intimidation, are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned and whose activities we will assess against the new definition."

And after saying the religion of Islam should not be confused with the "totalitarian ideology" of Islamists, he added: "Organisations such as the Muslim Association of Britain, which is the British affiliate of the Muslim Brotherhood, and other groups such as Cage and Mend, give rise to concern for the Islamist orientation and views.

"We will be holding these and other organisations to account, to assess if they meet our definition of extremism and will take action as appropriate."

Mr Gove confirmed there would be a new "centre of excellence" on counterterrorism created within the Home Office, promising it would become a "world-leading authority" on the issue.

Can new extremism definition strike the right balance?

Political correspondent

The criticisms Michael Gove had going into the House of Commons were from civil liberty groups on one side worrying that democratic protest could be infringed, and on the other side MPs like Miriam Cates, who say free speech is at risk.

How this new definition strikes that balance is still unclear.

As expected, Mr Gove named some of the groups that now fall under the new definition - but there is no accompanying list of organisations published that the government have deemed extreme.

And that might be because it's an extremely controversial and complex task.

The government knows that this week more than ever, with alleged comments from one of the biggest Conservative donors about former Labour MP Diane Abbott hanging over them.

The prime minister has been trying to work out whether those comments went too far and what to do with the donations.

Rishi Sunak had to make a judgement too last month on whether former Tory MP Lee Anderson's comments about London mayor Sadiq Khan were Islamophobic or not.

Now the government is having to draw a line as to what is acceptable and not acceptable for potentially hundreds of organisations without any legal teeth.

It's not clear he has the full support of his party either.

The minister added: "The liberties that we hold dear and indeed the democratic principles we are all sent here to uphold, requires us to counter and challenge the extremists who seek to intimidate, coerce and to divide.

"We have to be clear-eyed about the threat we face, precise about where that threat comes from and rigorous in defending our democracy.

"That means upholding freedom of expression, religion and belief when we are threatened, facing down harassment and hate, supporting the communities facing the greatest challenge from extremist activity and ensuring this House and this country are safe, free and united."

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The prime minister's official spokesperson confirmed a full list of organisations covered by the government's new extremism would be published "in the coming weeks".

But Labour wants ministers to also update its full counter-extremism strategy and its action plan on hate crime.

Ms Rayner told MPs: "We need much stronger action to tackle the corrosive forms of hatred that devastate lives and corrode communities.

"But today's statement does not go far enough. And regardless of how workable and effective this new definition and centre of excellence is, this announcement will not be enough."

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Tory MPs also voiced their concerns, with former immigration minister Robert Jenrick saying: "I fear that the definition, though well-intentioned, lands in no man's land - not going far enough to tackle the real extremists, not doing enough to protect the non-extremists, those people who are simply expressing contrarian views who might find this definition used against them, not perhaps now, but possibly in the future."

Fellow Conservative Sir Edward Leigh also said he was worried the definition was "going to add to the increasing culture, in what should be a free country, of the intolerance of the right to offend".

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How has UK extremism definition changed and why is it attracting criticism?

Six key questions answered about new definition of extremism laid out by communities secretary Michael Gove

• UK politics – latest updates

The communities secretary, Michael Gove, has laid out a new definition of extremism . Here the Guardian examines what has changed and why, and the reason it is attracting criticism.

How has the definition changed?

The new definition changes the focus from action to ideology. In 2011, the government’s Prevent strategy defined extremism as the “active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs”.

The new definition says extremism “is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: 1 negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or 2 undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3 intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in (1) or (2)”.

What will it mean in practice?

Ministers and civil servants will be banned from talking to or funding organisations that are deemed to be captured by the new definition of extremism. It will only affect government. While councils will be expected to follow the government’s lead, it will not be enshrined in law, so they will not be obliged to do so and therefore it will not create criminality nor should it make any difference to policing.

Why is it being changed now?

The government said it was a response to the increased extremist threat since the 7 October Hamas terror attacks in Israel. Following up on Rishi Sunak’s impromptu speech outside Downing Street about extremism, Gove said the aim was to target “extreme rightwing and Islamist extremists who are seeking to separate Muslims from the rest of society and create division within Muslim communities”.

Which groups will it affect?

In his announcement in the House of Commons, organisations that Gove said would be assessed against the definition were the far-right groups the British National Socialist Movement and Patriotic Alternative and the Muslim groups the Muslim Association of Britain, Muslim Engagement and Development (Mend) and Cage. Other organisations whose names have been leaked as potentially falling within the definition are Friends of al-Aqsa, 5Pillars and Palestine Action.

Why is it controversial?

Jonathan Hall KC, the government’s independent reviewer of state threat legislation, has described it as the labelling of people as extremists by “ministerial decree” and has said there is a lack of safeguards in the absence of an appeal body.

Unusually, there has been no consultation on the new definition.

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In an interview with the Sunday Telegraph, Gove singled out for criticism pro-Palestinian protesters who have been marching for a ceasefire in Gaza, focusing attention particularly on those who use the slogan “from the river to the sea” , the meaning of which is itself contested.

Only a handful of people have been arrested on the peaceful marches but senior Conservatives have criticised them, leading to fears among civil liberties groups that the new definition is a further attempt to limit protest and free speech when they do not chime with the government’s position.

Muslim groups named as at risk of being labelled extremist claim Gove has a history of associations and incidents that they deem Islamophobic, including leading the government’s role in the Trojan horse affair , when it was falsely alleged that an extremist takeover of schools in Birmingham was under way; writing a book called Celsius 7/7 in which he highlighted the “threat of Islamism”; and being a member of the Henry Jackson Society, which they say “has promoted an anti-Muslim agenda over many years”.

What reassurances has Gove given?

He told MPs the definition “will not affect gender-critical campaigners, those with conservative religious beliefs, trans activists, environmental protest groups or those exercising their proper right to free speech”. Some of these groups had feared they could be captured by the definition.

Gove drew a distinction between Islam, which he called a “great faith”, and the “totalitarian ideology” of Islamism.

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New U.K. Extremism Policy Raises Concerns Over Free Speech

The government said it would use a new legal definition of extremism to blacklist certain groups from public funding or engagement.

By Stephen Castle

Reporting from London

Britain’s government published a new definition of extremism on Thursday that it intends to use to cut ties or funding to groups deemed to have crossed the line, but which critics fear could curtail campaigners’ rights and curb free speech.

Michael Gove, a senior cabinet minister, said in a statement that the move was intended to “protect democratic values” by being “clear and precise in identifying the dangers posed by extremism.”

Some advocacy groups and legal experts greeted the announcement with concern, warning that it could affect the rights of those deemed by the government to meet the definition. The only way to challenge such a decision is likely to be through the courts.

The initiative has also stirred a wider debate about how, before a general election that must be held by early next year, British politicians choose to deal with domestic tensions that have risen since Hamas’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israel and Israel’s subsequent bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Hundreds of thousands of people have attended pro-Palestinian demonstrations in London and, according to the government, there has been a significant rise in both antisemitic incidents and anti-Muslim hate cases.

Even before the details of the new extremism proposals were made public, they had provoked criticism from rights groups and concern from three former Conservative Party home secretaries, whose remit included national security, who warned against using the issue of extremism for political advantage.

Leaders from the Church of England also weighed in. The archbishop of Canterbury — Justin Welby , who is the head of the church and a peer in the House of Lords — and the archbishop of York said in a statement on Tuesday that the new definition “not only inadvertently threatens freedom of speech, but also the right to worship and peaceful protest, things that have been hard won and form the fabric of a civilized society.”

They added, “Crucially, it risks disproportionately targeting Muslim communities, who are already experiencing rising levels of hate and abuse.”

Under the new plan, extremism will be defined as “the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance” that aims to “negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; or undermine, overturn or replace the U.K.’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights,” or intentionally create a “permissive environment” for others to do so.

In its statement, the government said that its new definition was not statutory and would have no effect on existing criminal law. But it added that “the government will undertake a robust process to assess groups for extremism against the definition, which will then inform decisions around government engagement and funding.”

Critics said it was that element — the idea that whichever government is in power could blacklist groups it considers extremist and bar them from meeting with any government bodies or officials or receiving taxpayer funding — that could threaten free speech and civil liberties.

David Anderson, a senior lawyer and former independent reviewer of terrorism legislation for the government, told the BBC that there were many questions that still needed to be answered about the policy.

“The definition remains extremely broad,” he said. “For example, it catches people who advance an ideology which negates the fundamental rights of others. One can imagine both sides of the trans debate leaping on that one.”

Mr. Anderson, who is also a member of the House of Lords, said he did not take much comfort from reassurances that the definition related only to interactions with government. “I think you are also affecting a lot of people potentially by branding them as extremists,” he said, adding that it “affects potentially the freedoms and reputations of an awful lot of people.”

Speaking in Parliament, Mr. Gove identified some of the organizations whose activities will be assessed in line with the new definition, including the British National Socialist Movement, which has been described by the government as a white supremacist group and Patriotic Alternative which opposes multiculturalism and immigration.

Mr. Gove said that those that “promote neo-Nazi ideology, argue for forced repatriation, a white ethno-state and the targeting of minority groups for intimidation, are precisely the type of groups about which we should be concerned.”

He also named the Muslim Association of Britain, which says it is dedicated to “nurturing, supporting and leading Muslim grassroots contributions” toward positive social change; Cage, which has urged the release of prisoners in Guantánamo Bay and campaigned against some antiterrorism laws; and MEND, which describes its aims as helping to empower and encourage British Muslims. Such groups, Mr. Gove added, “give rise to concern because of their Islamist orientation and views.”

The Muslim Council of Britain condemned the approach as undemocratic and potentially illegal. “A broad cross section of British society will see through the government’s divisive extremism proposals,” said Zara Mohammed, its secretary general.

Sacha Deshmukh, Amnesty International’s chief executive, described the plan as a “dangerously sweeping approach to labeling groups and individuals ‘extremist.’”

“This attempt to stigmatize legitimate, peaceful political activity is taking us further down the road toward authoritarianism,” he added.

Some Conservative lawmakers also warned against any measures that could threaten free speech. Miriam Cates, a Conservative Party lawmaker, told The Times of London that she believed radical Islamism to be the most significant threat to Britain’s national security but that it should be addressed “by properly upholding our existing laws and proscribing groups that have links to terrorism.”

“In a pluralistic democracy, there are, of course, a wide range of opinions that many of us would consider extreme,” she added. “But the state should only intervene if there is an actual threat of physical harm. Otherwise, we erode our fundamental freedoms of speech, association, expression and religion.”

The government tried to address such concerns in its statement on Thursday, saying that the plan was “not about silencing those with private and peaceful beliefs — not will it affect free speech, which will always be protected.”

A list of groups deemed to have fallen foul of the new definition is expected to be released in the coming weeks after an assessment process during which they will be allowed to make representations, Downing Street said.

The initiative follows a speech by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this month in which he spoke of “a shocking increase in extremist disruption and criminality” in Britain since the Oct. 7 Hamas-led attack in Israel. Mr. Sunak appealed to people in Britain to come together “to combat the forces of division and beat this poison.”

Mr. Sunak had previously given an outspoken warning at a meeting of senior police officers that “mob rule is replacing democratic rule.”

In an awkward juxtaposition for Mr. Sunak, the announcement on extremism came in the same week that it emerged that the Conservative Party’s largest donor had reportedly said that Diane Abbott , a prominent Black lawmaker, “should be shot.”

Asked on Thursday whether such comments would run afoul of the new extremism definition, Mr. Gove said, “I wouldn’t want to conflate those motivated by an extremist ideology with an individual comment, however horrific, which had quite rightly been called out and which has quite rightly led to an apology.”

Stephen Castle is a London correspondent of The Times, writing widely about Britain, its politics and the country’s relationship with Europe. More about Stephen Castle