bowdlerize

verb bowd·ler·ize \ˈbōd-lə-ˌrīz, ˈbau̇d-\

: to change (a book, play, movie, etc.) by removing parts that could offend people

bowd·ler·izedbowd·ler·iz·ing

Full Definition of BOWDLERIZE

transitive verb

: to expurgate (as a book) by omitting or modifying parts considered vulgar

: to modify by abridging, simplifying, or distorting in style or content

— bowd·ler·i·za·tion \ˌbōd-lə-rə-ˈzā-shən, ˌbau̇d-\ noun

— bowd·ler·iz·er noun

See bowdlerize defined for English-language learners

Thomas Bowdler †1825 English editor

First Known Use: 1836

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