abridge

[ uh-brij ]

verb (used with object)

, a·bridged, a·bridg·ing.

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)

Derived Forms

• aˈbridgable, adjective
• aˈbridger, noun

Other Words From

• a·bridg·a·ble a·bridge·a·ble adjective
• a·bridg·er noun
• non·a·bridg·a·ble adjective
• re·a·bridge verb (used with object) reabridged reabridging

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

It is not entirely clear why Kennedy cares about staying on the ballot anywhere; his overall strategy, however, reflects an intent to destabilize the election and abridge the early voting period, as he did in North Carolina.

From Slate

This complex process will significantly delay the distribution of new ballots—which will, in turn, unlawfully abridge early voting for everyone while jeopardizing the voting rights of service members overseas in clear contradiction of federal statute.

From Slate

“The answer to the appellees’ argument is that they have not been denied the right to vote by anyone and there has been no finding that the city commission in Mobile has been designed intentionally to abridge the voting rights of negroes,” Stewart’s opinion held.

From Slate

Later, Muñiz suggested that the initiative might unconstitutionally abridge the rights of fetuses by expanding the rights of doctors and patients.

From Slate

“You don’t want those fake things entering the clinical notes,” said Dr. Alistair Erskine, who leads digital innovations for Georgia-based Emory Healthcare, where hundreds of doctors are using a product from Abridge to document patient visits.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• abbreviate
• curtail
• truncate