bowdlerize
UK[ˈbaʊdləraɪz]US[ˈbaʊdləraɪz]
v
to remove or change the parts of a book, play, etc. that are considered offensive or vulgar
v
to expurgate or censor a text by omitting or modifying parts deemed objectionable
Morpheme Breakdown
bowdler
ize
bowdler
ize
to make, to become, to practice
Etymology
the verb 'bowdlerize' is a classic example of an eponym, derived entirely from the surname of thomas bowdler, an english editor of the early 19th century. bowdler published a famously expurgated edition of shakespeare's works in 1818, titled 'the family shakespeare', in which he removed words and expressions he deemed improper for women and children. the suffix -ize, of ancient greek origin and widely used in english to form verbs meaning 'to render, make, or practice', was attached to his name to create a verb describing his specific editorial practice. thus, the modern abstract meaning evolved from the literal action of a specific person to a general term for prudish censorship.
Analysis
Structure: bowdler + ize
bowdler (proper noun, from the surname of Thomas Bowdler) + ize (verb-forming suffix, from greek -izein via latin -izare and old french -iser, meaning 'to make, to become, to practice')
Examples
the film studio decided to bowdlerize the classic novel, removing all controversial scenes for its family-friendly adaptation.
some early television networks would bowdlerize old movies to conform to stricter broadcast standards.
critics accused the publisher of attempting to bowdlerize the author's work, stripping it of its original social commentary.