A concerted or harsh attempt to suppress something.
‘a clampdown on crime’
‘Both are concerned about restrictions and clampdowns on civil liberties.’
‘But fear and trepidation about the web also crept to the fore, leading to clampdowns and concerns about the internet's ‘potential for evil’.’
‘Many of the clubs affected are angry at the sudden clampdown.’
‘They will also be closely watching for announcements of any further macroeconomic measures to stamp out mainland economic growth, including clampdowns on investment in different sectors of the economy.’
‘The clampdown on spending comes after concerns about the relationship between parties and their donors.’
‘A great many members of the group have been similarly detained without charges during the government's routine clampdowns, the report said.’
‘We've heard plenty about welfare to work measures, about clampdowns on sole parents, disability pensioners and dole recipients that will be announced tonight.’
‘But both the centre-left and centre-right coalitions proposed heightened security measures and clampdowns on illegal immigration.’
‘His arrest on Sunday, along with 25 other members, was the latest in a series of clampdowns that began on 27 March.’
‘As is usually the case with these clampdowns, it is not a question of changing laws which are already in place but of choosing to enforce them.’
‘Previous clampdowns in south Manchester have resulted in 89 people being stopped in the past three weekends.’
‘This could lead to further clampdowns by police and insurers.’
‘A clampdown on speeding motorists has been launched in Keighley - the first of its kind in West Yorkshire’
‘This week police in Manchester launched a massive clampdown on mobile phone abusers fining more than 500 motorists.’
‘Since the clampdown started in July, the highest penalty imposed is £250.’
‘The security clampdown, authorised by the prime minister, was based on intelligence of a specific threat.’
‘He has said he suspects porn merchants are seeking revenge because of his clampdown on pornography on television.’
‘Why is there a sudden clampdown on people expressing their findings or thoughts?’
‘The security clampdown comes after the country was put on alert following reports of a threat at Heathrow airport.’
‘He fears that hardliners could initiate a conservative clampdown.’