redact
rih-DAKT
/rɪˈdækt/
To censor or obscure sensitive, confidential, or classified text from a document prior to publication or public release.
Specifically involves hiding or removing parts of an otherwise genuine document to protect safety, privacy, or legal secrecy.
The story behind the word. In Latin, 'redactum' referred to bringing order to raw materials or assembling a literary work. Over centuries in English, the term shifted from general editorial preparation to the specific practice of removing or blacking out classified text.
Word relationships
- censor: 'Censor' implies suppressing ideas or speech deemed objectionable; 'redact' is the technical blacking out of sensitive data.
- expunge: 'Expunge' means to erase completely from official records, whereas 'redact' obscures information from public view while keeping the underlying document intact.
- unmask: Unmasking reveals hidden identity or hidden text.
- disclose: Disclose makes confidential details fully open and readable.
Commonly confused with
- edit: To 'edit' is to refine text for grammar and clarity; to 'redact' is to black out sensitive information for privacy or security.
Word family
- redaction (noun): The process of obscuring text or a version of text that has been redacted.
- redactor (noun): A person who redacts text.
Collocations
- heavily redacted
- redact sensitive information
- redact names
- redacted document
Example sentences
- "The government agency released the requested files, but heavily redacted the names of undercover agents." Freedom of information
- "Before making the court documents public, lawyers had to redact all social security numbers and personal addresses." Data privacy
Memory hook
RE-DACT = RED-ACT: putting RED (or black) ink over text to cover it up. Redact puts a black box over sensitive facts.
When not to use
Do not confuse with general editing for style; 'redact' explicitly refers to obscuring sensitive content.
Fun facts
- Digital redaction fails famously occur when PDF creators draw black boxes over text without stripping the underlying text layer, allowing readers to copy-paste hidden words.
Related words
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