Abridge Definition

ə-brĭj
abridged, abridges, abridging
verb
abridged, abridges, abridging
To reduce the length of (a written text); condense.
The editor abridged the manuscript by cutting out two chapters.
American Heritage
To reduce in scope, extent, etc.; shorten.
Webster's New World
To limit; curtail.
An unconstitutional law that abridged the rights of citizens.
American Heritage
To shorten (a piece of writing) while preserving its substance; condense.
Webster's New World
To lessen or curtail (rights, authority, etc.)
Webster's New World

Origin of Abridge

  • From Middle English abreggen (“curtail, lessen”), abregge, abrigge, from Old French abregier abreger, from Late Latin abbrevio (“make brief”), from Latin ad + brēvio (“shorten”).

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English abregen from Old French abregier from Late Latin abbreviāre to shorten abbreviate

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

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