Vocabulary in context
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Expurgate
To remove or cleanse a text of offensive or improper passages, especially by editing or censoring.
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Imagine This
The radio station purged the swearing from many songs because they did not want its bad influence on their young audiences.
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Sounds Like
EK-SPUR-GATE
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Looks Like
ex-purge (to make clean or pure)
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Remember This
From Latin expurgare meaning 'to purge out, cleanse,' the word is related to purge and purgation; commonly used in publishing to produce a clean edition.
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Other Forms
expurgationnoun
expurgatoryadjective
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Connect With
censor, redact, purge, sanitize, edit
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Note
Expurgate is a formal term often used in literary or editorial contexts. It implies removing passages deemed objectionable rather than merely editing for style.
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Study Deeper
Examples
- The editor decided to expurgate the novel before publication, removing a few gratuitous scenes.
- Many editions of the book were expurgated to remove offensive language for school libraries.
Synonyms
censorpurgeexpungesanitizeedit
Antonyms
uncensorinclude unedited contentleave as is
Etymology
From Latin expurgare 'to purge out, cleanse', from ex- 'out' + purgare 'to purge'; related to the English word purge.
Mnemonic
EX-PUR-GATE: Ex out the purg- (purge) to gate (gate) the text for clean reading.
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Disgruntle
verbTo cause someone to feel dissatisfied, discontented, or irritated; to make someone look unfavorably on a situation.
Ossify
verbTo become fixed and rigid in form or mind; to harden physically into bone, or figuratively to become inflexible in attitude or habits.
Unassuming
adjectiveNot drawing attention to oneself; modest and unpretentious, showing little or no attempt to impress others.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abandon
verbTo give up completely, to desert or leave behind, or to relinquish a claim, plan, or responsibility.
Abate
verbTo decrease in amount or intensity; to reduce or end something.
Abolish
verbTo formally end or repeal a system, practice, or institution; to officially put an end to something established.
Abridge
verbTo shorten (a text, speech, or other work) by omitting parts; to condense.
Abscond
verbTo depart secretly or flee, especially to avoid detection or arrest.
Absolve
verbTo free someone from blame or responsibility; to pardon or exonerate.
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