How do you define censorship?

[netmouse]

Someone commented in another journal the idea that censorship is something only governments can do.

I had defined it as something people with power do to people (publications, performances, etc) they have power over.

ETA: by power I meant institutionally-based authority, not merely physical force. "Institution" can include social institutions, such as clubs, churches, or families.

How do you define censorship?

Comments

[cannibal.livejournal.com]

What about the German Student Association book burnings in 1933? Admittedly, they were backed by Goebbels, but I'm sure what they were doing was still against the law in '33, and they certainly qualify as an armed gang.