bowdlerise
/ˈboʊdləraɪz/
verb
- To remove parts of a book, play, or other text that are considered offensive or inappropriate.
- The publisher decided to bowdlerise the novel by taking out all the swear words.
- Some parents want schools to bowdlerise classic literature so it is suitable for young children.
- Critics argued that to bowdlerise the play would ruin the author's original message.