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

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

Read more on 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.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The question is whether creating majority-minority voting districts violates the 14th Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause and the 15th Amendment, which says that the right to vote can’t be “denied or abridged” on account of race.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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 The 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

Related Words

• abbreviate 
• curtail 
• truncate