BOWDLERISE Meaning and
Definition
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Bowdlerise (also spelled bowdlerize) is a verb that refers to the alteration or censorship of a written work, typically by removing or modifying content that is considered offensive, vulgar, or socially unacceptable. The term originates from Thomas Bowdler, an English physician, who published an expurgated edition of Shakespeare's plays in the early 19th century, aiming to make them more suitable for family reading.
When a text is bowdlerised, certain portions, words, or themes are changed or eliminated, often to conform to prevailing moral or cultural standards. This process may involve omitting explicit content, profanity, or scenes of violence or sexuality. Such alterations are usually made with the intention of protecting sensitive audiences, particularly children, from potentially offensive or inappropriate material.
The act of bowdlerisation can be controversial, as it raises questions about freedom of expression, artistic integrity, and the right to access uncensored information. Critics argue that bowdlerising a text can distort the author's original intent and compromise the literary or historical value of the work. However, proponents of bowdlerisation contend that it serves a valuable purpose by making literature more accessible and suitable for wider audiences, particularly in educational or public contexts.
In summary, bowdlerise refers to the process of altering or sanitizing a written work to remove or modify content that is deemed offensive or unacceptable, often with the aim of making it more suitable for particular audiences.
Common Misspellings for BOWDLERISE
- vowdlerise
- nowdlerise
- howdlerise
- gowdlerise
- biwdlerise
- bkwdlerise
- blwdlerise
- bpwdlerise
- b0wdlerise
- b9wdlerise
- boqdlerise
- boadlerise
- bosdlerise
- boedlerise
- bo3dlerise
- bo2dlerise
- bowslerise
- bowxlerise
- bowclerise
Etymology of BOWDLERISE
The word "bowdlerise" is derived from the surname of Thomas Bowdler, an English physician and editor born in 1754. Thomas Bowdler, along with his sister Henrietta, published an expurgated edition of William Shakespeare's works in 1818, known as "The Family Shakespeare". The siblings aimed to remove or modify content they considered improper or offensive, such as explicit sexual references or vulgar language. Consequently, the practice of censoring or sanitizing texts, plays, or other works to make them more suitable for general audiences became known as "bowdlerization". Over time, this term evolved into "bowdlerise" in British English or "bowdlerize" in American English.
Idioms with the word BOWDLERISE
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bowdlerise
To remove material that is considered improper or offensive from a text, film, or other work, typically for the purpose of censorship or making it more suitable for a particular audience.
Similar spelling words for BOWDLERISE
Conjugate verb Bowdlerise
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