expurgate
UK: /ˈɛkspəɡeɪt/ | US: /ˈɛkspərɡeɪt/
vt. to remove objectionable or offensive material from a text
vt. to cleanse or purify by removing impurities
The word "expurgate" originates from Latin expurgare, combining ex- (meaning "out") and purgare (meaning "to cleanse"). Historically, it referred to the removal of morally or doctrinally objectionable content from texts, particularly in religious or censorial contexts. The root purg- also appears in "purge" and "purify," emphasizing the act of cleansing. Over time, "expurgate" has retained its core meaning of selective removal, often applied to literature or speech.
The editor was asked to expurgate the controversial passages from the manuscript.
Many classic novels were expurgated to suit Victorian sensibilities.
The committee voted to expurgate all profanity from the broadcast.
Scholars debated whether to expurgate the ancient text or preserve its original language.
Modern editions of the book no longer expurgate references to political dissent.