Word of the Day

Bowdlerize

bowd•ler•ize
Pronunciation: \BODE-luh-rise; BOWD-\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Bowdlerize derives from the name Thomas Bowdler, an editor in Victorian times who rewrote Shakespeare, removing all profanity and sexual references so as not to offend the sensibilities of the audiences of his day.

1. To remove or modify the parts (of a book, for example) considered offensive.
2. To modify, as by shortening, simplifying, or distorting in style or content.

The president did not call for bowdlerizing all entertainment, but stressed keeping unsuitable material away from the eyes of children.

— "Conference a start toward loosening grip of violence", Atlanta Journal, May 12, 1999

Thanks to Constant Comment for today's WOTD entry