Redacted Meaning and Definition
Redacted
Pronunciation
/ˈrɛdək.tɛd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A redacted term, phrase, or document where sensitive or confidential information has been obscured, deleted, or replaced with a placeholder, often to protect individual privacy, maintain secrecy, or adhere to regulations.
Examples
1. “The documentary was heavily redacted to protect the identities of the whistleblowers.”
2. “The classified information was redacted from the report before it was released to the public.”
Synonyms
1. Censored
2. Blanked
3. Concealed
Antonyms
1. Disclosed
2. Revealed
3. Exposed
Etymology
The word “redacted” originates from the Latin word “redactus,” meaning “drawn back” or “withdrawn,” which is derived from the verb “redigere,” meaning “to draw back” or “to withdraw.”
Additional Information
Redaction is a crucial process in maintaining confidentiality, privacy, and national security. It is commonly used in government documents, contracts, and other sensitive materials to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or disclosure. The process of redaction typically involves removing or obscuring identifying information, such as names, addresses, or financial data, to prevent identification of individuals or organizations. Redacted documents can be used for a variety of purposes, including research, analysis, and education, while maintaining the confidentiality of the original information.
Redaction techniques can vary depending on the context and the level of sensitivity required. Common methods include blackout (completely blocking out sensitive information), redaction (using a black marker or digital tool to obscure the text), or substitution (replacing sensitive information with a placeholder or neutral text). In some cases, redaction can be achieved using software or digital tools that automatically identify and remove sensitive information.
Redaction is often associated with government agencies, intelligence services, and law enforcement organizations, where maintaining confidentiality is essential. However, the concept of redaction extends beyond these contexts and is applicable to various industries, such as finance, healthcare, and journalism, where sensitive information must be protected.
Usage Notes
When using the term “redacted” in different contexts, it’s essential to consider the level of sensitivity and the type of information being obscured. For example:
1. In a government context, “redacted” typically implies the removal of sensitive or classified information to protect national security or individual privacy.
2. In a literary context, “redacted” can refer to the process of editing or revising a document or manuscript to remove sensitive or potentially libelous information.
Cultural References
Redacted has appeared in various forms of media, including:
1. The 2007 film Redacted, directed by Brian De Palma, which explores the Iraq War and the challenges of redacting sensitive information.
2. The TV show “24,” where redacted documents are often used to convey classified information or secrets.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
The term “redacted” is often used in the following idiomatic expressions:
1. “Redacted document” or “redacted records” to refer to sensitive or confidential information.
2. “Redacts from” or “redacted out” to describe the process of removing or obscuring sensitive information.
Collocations
Some common collocations with the term “redacted” include:
1. Redacted files
2. Redacted records
3. Redacted documents
Frequency of Use
The term “redacted” is widely used in government, law enforcement, and intelligence contexts, and has gained increasing relevance in recent years due to the proliferation of sensitive information in digital formats.
According to the Corpus of Contemporary American English (COCA), the term “redacted” has seen a significant increase in usage over the past decade, indicating its growing importance in modern language.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the term “redacted” include:
1. Redacated
2. Redactedt