abridge

[uh-brij]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR abridge ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), a·bridged, a·bridg·ing.

to shorten by omissions while retaining the basic contents: to abridge a reference book.

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

to deprive; cut off.

Origin of abridge

1350–1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen < Middle French abreg(i)er < Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten. See a-⁴, abbreviate

Related formsa·bridg·a·ble, a·bridge·a·ble, adjectivea·bridg·er, nounnon·a·bridg·a·ble, adjectivere·a·bridge, verb (used with object), re·a·bridged, re·a·bridg·ing.

Synonyms for abridge

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR abridge ON THESAURUS.COM

1. cut down; epitomize; condense, abstract, digest. See shorten. 2. contract, reduce. 3. divest.

Antonyms for abridge

1. lengthen. 2. expand.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Related Words for abridge

curtail, abbreviate, truncate, trim, snip, cut, clip, lessen, abstract, reduce, condense, contract, downsize, restrict, concentrate, decrease, slash, diminish, limit, summarize

Examples from the Web for abridge

Contemporary Examples of abridge

At the right time and in the right dose, it can ease and abridge economic maladies.
The Green Stimulus' Red Ink
David Frum
December 3, 2012

Historical Examples of abridge

The novelist, like every other artist, must abridge and select.
An Estimate of the Value and Influence of Works of Fiction in Modern Times
Thomas Hill Green
We abridge from watery Pollnitz, taking care of any sense he has.
History Of Friedrich II. of Prussia, Vol. VI. (of XXI.)
Thomas Carlyle
But since the parting must be, 't is well to abridge the pain of long farewell.
What Will He Do With It, Complete
Edward Bulwer-Lytton
We must not abridge the liberties of the press or the people.
Abraham Lincoln
William Eleroy Curtis
If an attempt be made to abridge that power, they preach arms and rebellion.
Christianity Unveiled
Nicolas-Antoine Boulanger

British Dictionary definitions for abridge

abridge

verb (tr)

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

to curtail; diminish

archaic to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc)

Derived Formsabridgable or abridgeable, adjectiveabridger, noun

Word Origin for abridge

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for abridge

c.1300, abreggen, "to make shorter, to condense," from Old French abregier "abridge, diminish, shorten," from Late Latin abbreviare "make short" (see abbreviate). The sound development from Latin -vi- to French -dg- is paralleled in assuage (from assuavidare) and deluge (from diluvium). Related: Abridged; abridging.