bowdlerize

[ bohd-luh-rahyz, boud- ]

verb (used with object)

, bowd·ler·ized, bowd·ler·iz·ing.

1. to expurgate (a written work) by removing or modifying passages considered vulgar or objectionable.

bowdlerize

/ ˈbaʊdləˌraɪz /

verb

1. tr to remove passages or words regarded as indecent from (a play, novel, etc); expurgate

Derived Forms

• ˈbowdlerˌizer, noun
• ˈbowdlerism, noun
• ˌbowdleriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• bowdler·ism noun
• bowdler·i·zation noun
• bowdler·izer noun
• un·bowdler·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowdlerize¹

1830–40; after Thomas Bowdler (1754–1825), English editor of an expurgated edition of Shakespeare

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowdlerize¹

C19: after Thomas Bowdler (1754–1825), English editor who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare

Example Sentences

Because, like her correspondence to him, they’re bowdlerized by government censors.

From Washington Blade

She should not be allowed to disguise and bowdlerize it to suit the unwelcome tastes she had acquired at school.

From Project Gutenberg

I have no wish to bowdlerize Sir Richard Steele, his ways and words.

From Project Gutenberg

This is called "expurgating" the book; but people who disapprove often call it to bowdlerize.

From Project Gutenberg