abridges; abridged; abridging
1
: to shorten (a book, a play, etc.) by leaving out some parts
abridge a dictionary by omitting rare/uncommon words
2
formal
: to lessen the strength or effect of (something, such as a right)
unlawful attempts to abridge [=curtail, weaken] freedom of speech
Cite this Entry
“Abridge.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/abridge. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
Copy Citation
