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

The debate over what to do with vile language and attitudes in old classics is as polarizing as any culture-war issue — especially in light of the recent decision to bowdlerize Roald Dahl.

From Los Angeles Times

But, as Samartzis admitted with a grin, bowdlerizing wind from the breeziest place in the world wasn’t very authentic.

From New York Times

Bowdler’s work fell out of print, his name forgotten except as a synonym for all the purse-lipped virtue vandals who would “bowdlerize” great books in the name of protecting children.

From Washington Post

In most of these entertainments, though, the animals primarily come across as people in cutesy, bowdlerized animal drag.

From New York Times

Yet Brice, knowing all that, still adored him, which makes a far more interesting tale than the bowdlerized one the show offers, of a duped woman finally and regretfully seeing the light.

From New York Times