abridge

[uh-brij] /əˈbrɪdʒ/
verb (used with object), abridged, abridging.
1.
to shorten by omissions while retaining the basic contents:
to abridge a reference book.
2.
to reduce or lessen in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminish; curtail:
to abridge a visit; to abridge one's freedom.
3.
to deprive; cut off.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen < Middle French abreg(i)er < Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten. See a-4, abbreviate
Related forms
abridgable, abridgeable, adjective
abridger, noun
nonabridgable, adjective
reabridge, verb (used with object), reabridged, reabridging.
Synonyms
1. cut down; epitomize; condense, abstract, digest. See shorten. 2. contract, reduce. 3. divest.
Antonyms
1. lengthen. 2. expand.
Examples from the web for abridge
  • The government cannot abridge our right to speak foolishly.
  • I'd hate to abridge his "freedom" to do it.
  • Members of Congress may not abridge free speech in any manner, not one whit.
  • Grammophon's contends, however, that to eliminate the dialog is to abridge the work.
  • Thus he may abridge his travel with much profit.
  • As one of the primary aesthetic elements of abridge, superstructures should receive significant attention.
  • If abridge has a different weight limit, the limit will be posted.
  • Nothing in this order should be construed as an attempt to abridge a party's right to a district judge.
British Dictionary definitions for abridge

abridge

/əˈbrɪdʒ/
verb (transitive)
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)
Derived Forms
abridgable, abridgeable, adjective
abridger, noun
Word Origin
C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten
Word Origin and History for abridge
v.

c.1300, abreggen, "to make shorter, to condense," from Old French abregier "abridge, diminish, shorten," from Late Latin abbreviare "make short" (see abbreviate). The sound development from Latin -vi- to French -dg- is paralleled in assuage (from assuavidare) and deluge (from diluvium). Related: Abridged; abridging.