1. removing or modifying parts of a text considered offensive or inappropriate, especially in literature
Usage: British spelling; present participle of bowdlerise

Examples

• The publisher was bowdlerising the classic novel to make it suitable for younger readers.
• Critics accused the editor of bowdlerising Shakespeare’s plays by removing violent scenes.
• The school board was bowdlerising textbooks to avoid controversial topics.
• She objected to bowdlerising the author’s original work.
• The process of bowdlerising often changes the meaning of literary works.
• Many argue that bowdlerising historical documents distorts our understanding of the past.