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bowdlerize

Syllabification: (bowd·ler·ize)
Pronunciation: /ˈbōdləˌrīz, ˈboud-/

Definition of bowdlerize

verb

[with object]
  • remove material that is considered improper or offensive from (a text or account), especially with the result that it becomes weaker or less effective: (as adjective bowdlerized)a bowdlerized version of the story

Derivatives

bowdlerism

Pronunciation: /-ˌrizəm/

noun

bowdlerization

Pronunciation: /ˌbōdləriˈzāSHən, ˌboud-/

noun

Origin:

mid 19th century: from the name of Dr. Thomas Bowdler (1754–1825), who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare in 1818, + -ize

bowdlerize in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of bowdlerize in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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