Redact

In America, the Freedom of Information Act gives citizens the right to request information on just about anything known to the government. It takes a couple years sometimes, and any still-classified information will be redacted. This is usually seen as large black blocks covering any sensitive text. Some documents have page after page of blackened, redacted information, letting only a few tantalizing words peek out.

Re*dact" (r?*d?kt"), v. t. [L. redactus, p. p. of redigere; pref. red-, re-, again, back + agere to put in motion, to drive.]

To reduce to form, as literary matter; to digest and put in shape (matter for publication); to edit.

© Webster 1913.