ˈbōdləˌrīz, ˈbau̇d- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Usage: see -ize, sometimes capitalized
Etymology: Thomas Bowdler died 1825 English editor of an expurgated Shakespeare + English -ize
1. : to remove matter considered indelicate or otherwise objectionable from by expurgation or alteration
bowdlerize a text
a bowdlerized version of the scene
bowdlerized the manuscript
2. : to alter (something) by removing forceful elements : emasculate
bowdlerize a philosophy