abridge

[ uh-brij ]
/ əˈbrɪdʒ /
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verb (used with object), a·bridged, a·bridg·ing.

to shorten by omissions while retaining the basic contents: to abridge a reference book.
to reduce or lessen in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminish; curtail: to abridge a visit; to abridge one's freedom.
to deprive; cut off.

Origin of abridge

1350–1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen < Middle French abreg(i)er < Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten. See a-4, abbreviate

SYNONYMS FOR abridge

1 cut down; epitomize; condense, abstract, digest. See shorten.
2 contract, reduce.
3 divest.
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OTHER WORDS FROM abridge

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), re·a·bridged, re·a·bridg·ing.

Words nearby abridge

abrazo, abreact, abreaction, abreast, abri, abridge, abridgment, abrin, abristle, abroach, abroad

Words related to abridge

curtail, abbreviate, truncate, trim, snip, cut, clip, lessen, abstract, reduce, condense, contract, downsize, restrict, concentrate, decrease, slash, diminish, limit, summarize

Example sentences from the Web for abridge

British Dictionary definitions for abridge

abridge
/ (əˈbrɪdʒ) /

verb (tr)

to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting
to curtail; diminish
archaic to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc)

Derived forms of abridge

abridgable or abridgeable, adjective abridger, noun

Word Origin for abridge

C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten