EXPURGATION Meaning and
Definition
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Expurgation refers to the act of censoring, editing, or purging materials, particularly written works, for the purpose of removing offensive, obscene, sensitive, or objectionable content. It involves the removal or alteration of passages, words, or portions of a text that are deemed inappropriate or objectionable according to societal, moral, religious, or political standards.
The process of expurgation is often undertaken to conform to prevailing cultural norms, to make a work suitable for a particular audience, or to comply with legal regulations. It can be employed by individuals, editors, publishers, or governmental bodies, and it may include the removal or toning down of explicit language, sexual content, violence, blasphemy, political opinions, or any other material deemed offensive or controversial.
While expurgation can be seen as a means of protecting certain groups, maintaining social harmony, or adhering to certain cultural or religious values, it also raises concerns of censorship, control of information, and limiting artistic or intellectual freedom. It has been a controversial practice and has been utilized throughout history for various purposes, both legitimate and suppressive.
The concept of expurgation highlights the ongoing tension between the freedom of expression and the need to maintain social order and protect specific values. It is often a subject of debate among proponents of censorship, advocates for free speech, and those who argue for striking a balance between the two.
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The act of cleansing or purifying.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for EXPURGATION
Etymology of EXPURGATION
The word "expurgation" comes from the Latin word "expurgatio", which is derived from the verb "expugnare".
In Latin, "expugnare" means "to cleanse" or "to purge". The prefix "ex-" conveys the idea of "out" or "away", and the root "pugnare" means "to fight" or "to battle". So, "expurgatio" literally translates to "to fight out" or "to cleanse out".
Over time, the meaning of "expurgatio" evolved into the idea of removing objectionable or offensive content from a literary work, especially in the context of religious or political censorship. This sense of purging, cleansing, or removing inappropriate material is still reflected in the modern usage of the word "expurgation".
Similar spelling words for EXPURGATION
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