— abridgable, abridgeable , adj. — abridger , n.
/euh brij"/ , v.t., abridged, abridging .
1. to shorten by omissions while retaining the basic contents: to abridge a reference book.
2. to reduce or lessen in duration, scope, authority, etc.; diminish; curtail: to abridge a visit; to abridge one's freedom.
3. to deprive; cut off.
[ 1350-1400; ME abreggen, abriggen abreg ( i ) er abbreviare to shorten. See A- 4 , ABBREVIATE ]
Syn. 1. cut down; epitomize; condense, abstract, digest. See shorten. 2. contract, reduce. 3. divest.
Ant. 1. lengthen. 2. expand.