abridge

[ uh-brij ]
See synonyms for abridge on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),a·bridged, a·bridg·ing.
  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.

  1. to deprive; cut off.

Origin of abridge

1
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English abreggen, abriggen, from Middle French abreg(i)er, from Late Latin abbreviāre “to shorten”; see a-4, abbreviate

synonym study For abridge

1. See shorten.

Other words for abridge

Opposites for abridge

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.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for abridge

abridge

/ (əˈbrɪdʒ) /


verb(tr)
  1. to reduce the length of (a written work) by condensing or rewriting

  2. to curtail; diminish

  1. archaic to deprive of (privileges, rights, etc)

Origin of abridge

1
C14: via Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten

Derived forms of abridge

  • abridgable or abridgeable, adjective
  • abridger, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012