bowdlerization Definition
the act of removing or modifying parts of a text, film, etc. considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise objectionable.
Using bowdlerization: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bowdlerization" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The movie was criticized for its bowdlerization of the original novel.
Example
The publisher demanded bowdlerization of the manuscript before it could be released.
Example
The school board ordered the bowdlerization of the classic novel due to its controversial content.
bowdlerization Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for bowdlerization
- censorship
- expurgation
- redaction
- editing
- cleaning up
Phrases with bowdlerization
to remove or modify parts of a text, film, etc. considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise objectionable
Example
The editor was asked to bowdlerize the article before publication.
a modified version of a text, film, etc. that has had parts considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise objectionable removed or modified
Example
The bowdlerized version of the book was used in schools to avoid controversy.
the original version of a text, film, etc. that has not been modified or censored
Example
I prefer to read the unabridged version of classic novels.
Origins of bowdlerization
named after Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare's plays in 1807
Summary: bowdlerization in Brief
The term 'bowdlerization' [ˌbaʊdləraɪˈzeɪʃən] refers to the act of removing or modifying parts of a text, film, etc. considered offensive, vulgar, or otherwise objectionable. It is named after Thomas Bowdler, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare's plays in 1807. Examples include the bowdlerization of a movie, manuscript, or classic novel, and the phrase 'to bowdlerize something.' The opposite of bowdlerization is the 'unabridged version.'
