What is the term for editing by omitting or modifying parts that may be considered offensive?

The term that refers to editing by omitting or modifying parts that may be considered offensive is "expurgate." This word is commonly used in contexts such as literature, where an author or editor might remove or alter content deemed inappropriate or objectionable for a specific audience. The process of expurgation aims to make the material more acceptable or suitable, often especially for children or for publication in sensitive contexts.

In literature or media, expurgation can involve censoring explicit language, violent scenes, or any content that might provoke controversy or negative reactions. The intent behind this term is to purify or cleanse the text while retaining its original essence as much as possible, albeit sometimes at the cost of the authenticity or completeness of the work.

Other options do not convey the same idea: "effusive" relates to expressing feelings of gratitude or pleasure in an unrestrained manner; "exscind" denotes to cut out or remove, but it lacks the specific connotation of making something more acceptable; and "epithet" refers to a descriptive term or phrase that often expresses a characteristic of someone or something, rather than the act of editing offensive material.