Definition

1. Verb:
   • To shorten a written work while preserving its essential meaning: To reduce the length of a text, speech, or other work by condensing or omitting parts without sacrificing the core content or message.
   • To curtail or diminish a right, privilege, or activity: To lessen the scope, duration, or extent of something, often a freedom or legal right.

Usage

• The verb "abridge" is typically used with objects like "book," "text," "right," "freedom," or "speech." It often implies a formal or official reduction.
• It is commonly used in the passive voice (e.g., "an abridged version").

Examples

• Shortening a work:
  • The publisher asked the author to abridge the novel for a younger audience.
  • This is an abridged audiobook; the full version is 20 hours long.
• Curtailing a right:
  • The government cannot abridge the citizens' right to peaceful assembly.
  • Some fear the new policy will abridge our freedom of speech.

Advanced Usage

• "Abridged edition/version": A shortened publication of a longer work.
  • The abridged edition of the dictionary is more portable.
• "To abridge someone of something" (archaic/legal): To deprive someone of a right or property.
  • The court's ruling abridged him of his inheritance.

Variants and Related Words

• Abridgment/Abridgement (noun): The act of abridging or a shortened form of a work.
  • The abridgment of the classic tale made it accessible to children.
• Abridger (noun): A person who abridges texts.
  • She worked as an abridger for a audiobook company.

Synonyms

• Condense: To make something more concise.
• Shorten: To reduce in length.
• Curtail: To cut short or reduce.
• Diminish: To make or become less.

Antonyms

• Expand: To increase in size or scope.
• Elongate: To lengthen.
• Amplify: To enlarge or extend.

Related Phrases

• Abridge the time: To shorten a designated period.
  • The judge agreed to abridge the time for filing the motion.

Verb

1. lessen, diminish, or curtail
   • the new law might abridge our freedom of expression
2. reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
   • The manuscript must be shortened