Definition

To remove parts of a text that are considered inappropriate or offensive.

Example

The publisher decided to bowdlerise the novel to make it suitable for younger readers.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear they plan to bowdlerise that book before publishing it?

Yeah, I can't believe it!

I think it's frustrating when they bowdlerise literature just to avoid controversy.

Totally! It loses so much of its original meaning.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Bowdlerise → It is derived from the name 'Thomas Bowdler', who was an English editor known for expurgating works to make them more suitable for family reading. The term has come to mean the act of removing or altering content considered inappropriate or offensive. Thus, to bowdlerise means to censor or modify a text.

Memory Tip

Think of Thomas Bowdler, who made works more 'family-friendly' by removing inappropriate content — that's why bowdlerise means to censor or alter a text.

Visually Confused Words