Bowdlerism (Noun)
Meaning
Censorship in the form of prudish expurgation.
Classification
Nouns denoting acts or actions.
Examples
- The editor was accused of bowdlerism for removing any mention of explicit content from the author's original manuscript.
- Her parents practiced bowdlerism when reading her classic literature, omitting any passages with suggestive themes.
- Some filmmakers have criticized modern streaming services for their bowdlerism, claiming it stifles artistic expression.
- His sanitized retelling of the legend was considered a perfect example of bowdlerism by those familiar with the original myth.
- A generation ago, radio censors relied heavily on bowdlerism, careful not to ruffle feathers or tempt teenagers with off-color humor.