abridge

verb \ə-ˈbrij\

: to shorten (a book, a play, etc.) by leaving out some parts

: to lessen the strength or effect of (something, such as a right)

abridgedabridg·ing

Full Definition of ABRIDGE

transitive verb

a archaic : deprive

b : to reduce in scope : diminish <attempts to abridge the right of free speech>

: to shorten in duration or extent <modern transportation that abridges distance>

: to shorten by omission of words without sacrifice of sense : condense

— abridg·er noun

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Origin of ABRIDGE

Middle English abregen, from Anglo-French abreger, from Late Latin abbreviare, from Latin ad- + brevis short — more at brief

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ABRIDGE

Synonyms: abbreviate, shorten, curtail, cut back, dock, elide, syncopate, truncate

Antonyms: elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract

Synonym Discussion of ABRIDGE

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent. shorten implies reduction in length or duration <shorten a speech>. curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy <ceremonies curtailed because of rain>. abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part <using an abbreviated title>. abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result <the abridged version of the novel>. retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive <declining business forced the company to retrench>.