Expurgated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ“–
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expurgated

[ษ›kหˆspษœrหŒgeษชtษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

edited content

Expurgated refers to something that has been cleansed of offensive, objectionable, or obscene material. It often pertains to texts, such as books or documents, that have been edited to remove such content. The process of expurgation is typically carried out to make the material suitable for a specific audience or to comply with societal norms. This term is commonly used in discussions about censorship and the modification of literature.

Synonyms

censored, cleaned, edited.

Examples of usage

  • The expurgated edition of the novel removed all explicit language.
  • Teachers often prefer using expurgated texts in classrooms.
  • The expurgated version of the film was less controversial.
  • Library policy requires that all children's books be expurgated.
  • An expurgated dictionary may omit certain slang terms.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many classic books have been expurgated to remove profanity, sexual content, or violent scenes, often for school use.
  • A famous example is Mark Twainโ€™s 'Adventures of Huckleberry Finn', which has seen several versions with different levels of expurgation.

Censorship

  • Expurgation is a form of censorship, which involves removing or altering content to comply with societal norms or legal regulations.
  • Though some argue it makes works more accessible, others feel it dilutes the original intention of the text.

Education

  • Teachers and educators often choose expurgated versions of texts for students to ensure age-appropriate reading materials.
  • The process highlights how different cultures and time periods view what is acceptable in literature.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, expurgation of literature is a controversial topic, as it reflects broader societal values about morality and appropriateness.
  • Books that have been heavily edited might spark debates about freedom of expression and the need to preserve cultural narratives.

Origin of 'expurgated'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'expurgare', which means 'to purify' or 'to cleanse'.
  • It has been used since the late 15th century to describe the act of cleaning up texts to make them suitable for audiences.

The term 'expurgated' originates from the Latin word 'expurgare,' which means to purify or cleanse. This Latin word combines 'ex-' meaning 'out of' and 'purgare' meaning 'to cleanse.' The concept was traditionally associated with the removal of harmful or inappropriate content, especially in religious or literary texts. Since its early use in the 16th century, 'expurgated' has been applied to various forms of media, including books and films, reflecting societal values and norms regarding decency. Over time, the practice of expurgation has been a contentious topic, as it often raises questions about censorship, freedom of expression, and the preservation of artistic integrity.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,940 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.