bowdlerize
UK: ˈbaʊdləraɪz | US: ˈbaʊdləraɪz
vt. to remove or modify parts of a text considered vulgar or objectionable, often resulting in a sanitized version
The word "bowdlerize" originates from Thomas Bowdler’s controversial practice of censoring literature to align with 19th-century moral standards. His surname became a verb, symbolizing the act of prudish editing. The suffix "-ize" transforms the proper noun into an action, reflecting linguistic patterns seen in other eponymous verbs (e.g., "mesmerize").
The publisher decided to bowdlerize the classic novel to make it suitable for younger readers.
Critics accused the film adaptation of bowdlerizing the original story’s darker themes.
Some modern editions of older texts are subtly bowdlerized without acknowledgment.
Teachers debated whether to bowdlerize historical documents for classroom use.
The author refused to bowdlerize her work, insisting on preserving its raw authenticity.