Expurgate

Verb

Definition: To remove or delete parts of a book, film, etc., that are considered offensive, vulgar, or objectionable.

Synonyms: Censor, Purify, Edit, Bowdlerize

Antonyms: Publish, Include, Retain

Examples:

The publisher decided to expurgate the explicit scenes from the novel before releasing it.
The film was expurgated to receive a lower age rating.

Mnemonics:

"Expur" sounds similar to "ex-pure" which signifies the removal of impurities or offensive content.
Think of an editor purging or purifying a text by expurgating objectionable parts.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "expurgate" comes from the Latin word "expurgare," which means "to cleanse" or "to purify." It entered the English language in the early 17th century.

Historical Usage:

Historically, expurgation was a common practice in literature and other forms of media to remove content considered obscene, heretical, or politically sensitive. It allowed works to comply with social or moral standards and censorship guidelines.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Expurgate the record"

Explanation:

This phrase refers to manipulating or selectively editing information to present a more favorable or sanitized version, often with the intention of hiding negative aspects.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing the term with "expunge."

Explanation:

While "expurgate" and "expunge" both involve removing or deleting content, "expurgate" specifically refers to the removal of offensive or objectionable content, whereas "expunge" refers to erasing or completely wiping out something, such as a criminal record or a memory.