bowdlerise

/'baudləraiz/ Cách viết khác : (bowdlerize) /'baudləraiz/

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Word: Bowdlerise (also spelled "bowdlerize")

Part of Speech: Verb

Definition: To edit a piece of writing (like a book, play, or movie) by removing or changing parts that are considered offensive, inappropriate, or too sensitive. This is often done to make the content more suitable for a particular audience, especially children.

Usage Instructions: You can use "bowdlerise" when discussing literature, movies, or any form of media where some content may be altered to make it more acceptable.

Example Sentence: "The publisher decided to bowdlerise the novel to make it appropriate for younger readers."

Advanced Usage:

• "Bowdlerising a classic work can lead to debates about censorship and artistic integrity."
• "Some critics argue that to bowdlerise a text is to erase its historical context and meaning."

Word Variants:

• Bowdlerisation (noun): The act of bowdlerising.
  • Example: "The bowdlerisation of the film removed many of its original themes."
• Bowdlerizer (noun): A person who modifies a work by bowdlerising it.
  • Example: "The bowdlerizer cut out several scenes deemed inappropriate."

Different Meanings:

• The primary meaning relates to editing content to make it more suitable. It does not have widely accepted alternative meanings, but it can imply a broader criticism of altering original works.

Synonyms:

• Censor
• Expurgate
• Edit
• Purify (in a literary context)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "bowdlerise." However, you might encounter phrases like "cut out" or "tone down," which convey a similar idea of altering content.

Summary:

"Bowdlerise" is a term used mainly in literary discussions and criticism.

Academic

Verb

1. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
   • bowdlerize a novel

Synonyms

• bowdlerize
• expurgate
• castrate
• shorten