expurgate

What does “expurgate” mean?

verb.to remove matter thought to be objectionable or unsuitable from (a book or account).

SAT Usage

this term is often found in passages discussing literature, censorship, or media, emphasizing the selective removal of content deemed inappropriate. It suggests a deliberate act of purification or alteration, distinguishing it from mere editing or revision by highlighting moral or ethical considerations in the process of content modification.

Common Confusions

Expurgate implies a selective removal of objectionable content for moral reasons, while edit usually suggests making changes or corrections without a focus on ethical considerations.

Example Sentences

• The editor expurgated several controversial passages from the book.

• The committee needed to expurgate the proposal before making a final decision.

Word Parts: How to Remember “expurgate”

Break “expurgate” into its parts: ex- (out of, from). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: ex- out of, from (Latin)