Banned Books Week Vocabulary Enhanced Language Arts

access Noun The right to make use of or take advantage of something. Example: Held during the last week of September, Banned Books Week highlights the benefits of free and open access to information.

ban Verb To forbid the public distribution of something. Example: Banned Books Week (BBW) is an annual event celebrating the freedom to read and the importance of the First Amendment.

bowdlerize Verb To edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate or inappropriate, with the result that it becomes weaker or less effective. Example: Mr. Wilson said he was horrified by Russell’s bowdlerized movie, which added fantasy sequences and new plotlines.

censorship Noun The act of deleting parts of publications or theatrical performances. Banned Books Week draws attention to the harms of censorship by spotlighting actual or attempted bans of books across the United States.

challenge Noun An objection or question about something’s validity. Example: Individuals challenge books they object to by questioning their right to be on library shelves.

excise Verb To remove by cutting. Example: In 2002, the Administration of George W. Bush excised those pages from the report of the Joint Congressional Inquiry into the 9/11 attacks.

expunge Verb To remove by erasing or crossing out or as if by drawing a line; to remove without a trace. Example: He can apply to have his arrest expunged once the program, which usually runs for a year, is completed.

expurgate Verb To edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate or inappropriate; to remove material thought morally offensive. Example: But even with our expurgated radio broadcast, we had learned what the authorities did not want us to know.

restrict Verb To limit access to something. Example: Fortunately, while some books were banned or restricted, in a majority of cases the books were not banned.

unorthodox Adjective Breaking with tradition or convention. Example: Many people believe that books should be available, even if the information and ideas within them might be considered unorthodox or unpopular.