bowdlerise

Bowdlerise means to remove or modify content considered offensive, indelicate, or otherwise unsuitable—typically from literature.

The word comes from Thomas Bowdler, who published an 1818 edition of Shakespeare with sexual references and profanity excised.

The term now carries a note of disapproval, implying prudish or excessive censorship that diminishes the original: The studio bowdlerised the script until nothing controversial remained.

Also spelled bowdlerize.