First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
1
2
: to shorten in duration or extent <modern transportation that abridges distance>
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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
Related to ABRIDGE
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>.
Rhymes with ABRIDGE
ABRIDGE Defined for Kids
abridge
verb \ə-ˈbrij\
abridgedabridg·ing
Definition of ABRIDGE for Kids
: to shorten by leaving out some parts <abridge a dictionary>
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