abridge

American  

[uh-brij] / əˈbrɪdʒ /

verb (used with object)

abridged, abridging

1. to shorten by omissions while retaining the basic contents.

   to abridge a reference book.

   Synonyms:

   epitomize, summarize, digest, abstract, condense

   Antonyms:

   lengthen

2. to reduce or lessen in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminish; curtail: to abridge one's freedom.

   to abridge a visit;

   to abridge one's freedom.

   Synonyms:

   reduce, contract

   Antonyms:

   expand

3. to deprive; cut off.

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abridge British  

/ əˈbrɪdʒ /

verb

1. to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

2. to curtail; diminish

3. archaic to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc)

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Related Words

See shorten.

Other Word Forms

• abridgable adjective
• abridgeable adjective
• abridger noun
• nonabridgable adjective
• reabridge verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of abridge

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen, from Middle French abreg(i)er, from Late Latin abbreviāre “to shorten”; a- ⁴, abbreviate

Example Sentences

The Collegiate—an abridged, more manageable version of the company’s gargantuan International edition—was introduced in 1898 and had been revised roughly every decade thereafter.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Precision crew offered to put me through an abridged version of the member experience.

From The Wall Street Journal

In 1870, the 15th Amendment prohibited the states from denying or abridging the right of citizens to vote based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”

From The Wall Street Journal

The First Amendment is clear against laws “abridging the freedom of speech.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Of course, the Constitution contemplates that democracy is the appropriate process for change, so long as that process does not abridge fundamental rights .

From Salon

Related Words

• abbreviate
• curtail
• truncate