abridge

[uh-brij]

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.

abridge

/ 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)

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of abridge¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of abridge¹

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

Synonym Study

See shorten.

Example Sentences

ABC, Google and Meta have the right to limit speech on their own networks, but government absolutely can’t tell private companies to “abridge” speech.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

“Maybe the Constitution should have said, ‘Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, except in one’s political or financial self-interest.’”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Salon

What I have provided hardly qualifies as a synthesis but more as an abridged list of a few messages that may emerge if we stop and reflect.

Read more on Salon

“Article V: A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.”

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• abbreviate 
• curtail 
• truncate