abridge
[ uh-brij ]
/ əˈbrɪdʒ /
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.
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Nearby words
Origin of abridge
1350–1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen < Middle French abreg(i)er < Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten. See a-4, abbreviate
SYNONYMS FOR abridge
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.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for abridge
British Dictionary definitions for abridge
abridge
/ (əˈbrɪdʒ) /
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
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