to remove matter that is objectionable or inappropriate from a text
example
The editor had to expurgate several passages from the manuscript to ensure it was suitable for young readers.
synonyms
censoreditpurge
word origin — From Latin 'expurgare', meaning 'to cleanse, purify', from 'ex-' (out) + 'purgare' (to cleanse).
SAT Vocabulary Level 3 — Set 185
Set 185 of SAT Vocabulary Level 3 covers 5 words: expurgate, proliferate, wrangle, denude, stupefy. Each entry below includes its definition, an example sentence, and synonyms — practice them with the interactive cards above.
expurgate · verb/ˈɛkspərˌɡeɪt/
to remove matter that is objectionable or inappropriate from a text
The editor had to expurgate several passages from the manuscript to ensure it was suitable for young readers.
Synonyms: censor, edit, purge
Origin: From Latin 'expurgare', meaning 'to cleanse, purify', from 'ex-' (out) + 'purgare' (to cleanse).
proliferate · verb/prəˈlɪfərˌeɪt/
to increase rapidly in number or amount
In recent years, social media platforms have proliferated, changing the way we communicate.
Synonyms: multiply, escalate, increase
Origin: Derived from the Latin word 'proliferare', which means 'to bear offspring' or 'to produce offspring', from 'proles' meaning 'offspring' and 'ferre' meaning 'to bear'.
wrangle · verb/ˈræŋ.ɡl/
to argue or dispute noisily or angrily
The two neighbors wrangled over the property boundary for hours, each insisting that their claim was valid.
Synonyms: quarrel, bicker, dispute
Origin: The word 'wrangle' comes from the Middle English 'wranglen', which is a frequentative form of 'wringen' meaning 'to twist or contend'. It is believed to have Germanic origins, related to words in languages such as Old High German 'wringen' meaning 'to wrestle'.
denude · verb/dɪˈnud/
to strip of possessions or covering
The violent storm denuded the landscape, leaving only bare trees and stripped soil in its wake.
Synonyms: strip, deprive, clear
Origin: Latin 'denudare', from 'de-' meaning 'off' and 'nudare' meaning 'to make bare'
stupefy · verb/ˈstuː.pə.faɪ/
to make someone unable to think or respond properly
The shocking news of her sudden departure stupefied everyone in the office, leaving them completely speechless.
Synonyms: stun, amaze, bewilder
Origin: From Latin 'stupefacere', meaning 'to make senseless', from 'stupere' meaning 'to be stunned or amazed' + 'facere' meaning 'to make'.