abridge

[uh-brij]

verb (used with object)

abridged, abridging 

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)

Other Word Forms

• abridgable adjective
• abridger noun
• abridgeable adjective
• nonabridgable adjective
• reabridge verb (used with object)

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

What I have provided hardly qualifies as a synthesis but more as an abridged list of a few messages that may emerge if we stop and reflect.

From Salon

“Article V: A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.”

From Salon

Dunthorne had access to the German original, about 1,800 typewritten pages, as well as to a translated, abridged version distributed to family members.

From Los Angeles Times

There are abridged biographies of certain people throughout the book.

From Salon

If there’s a disadvantage to this abridged election, Stutzman said, it’s the limited time Harris has to introduce herself.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abbreviate 
• curtail 
• truncate