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abridge

 - 4 dictionary results

a⋅bridge

  [uh-brij]
Use abridge in a Sentence
–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.
3. to deprive; cut off.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME abreggen, abriggen < MF abreg(i)er < LL abbreviāre to shorten. See a- 4 , abbreviate

Related forms:
a⋅bridg⋅a⋅ble, a⋅bridge⋅a⋅ble, adjective
a⋅bridg⋅er, noun

Synonyms:
1. cut down; epitomize; condense, abstract, digest. See shorten. 2. contract, reduce. 3. divest.

Antonyms:
1. lengthen. 2. expand.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To abridge
a·bridge   (ə-brĭj')   
tr.v.   a·bridged, a·bridg·ing, a·bridg·es

  1. To reduce the length of (a written text); condense.

  2. To cut short; curtail. See Synonyms at shorten.


[Middle English abregen, from Old French abregier, from Late Latin abbreviāre, to shorten; see abbreviate.]
a·bridg'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

abridge 
1303, from O.Fr. abregier "to shorten," from L.L. abbreviare "make short" (see abbreviate). The sound development from L. -vi- to Fr. -dg- is paralleled in assuage (from assuavidare) and deluge (from diluvium).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: abridge
Pronunciation: &-'brij
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Forms: abridged; abridg·ing
: to diminish or reduce in scope abridge the privileges and immunities of the citizens of the United States —U.S. Constitution amendment XIV> —abridg·ment or abridge·ment noun
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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