shorten
(verb)
verb
1. make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
- He shortened his trip due to illness
Definition categories: change, cut, reduce, trim
2. reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
- The manuscript must be shortened
Similar word(s): abbreviate, abridge, contract, cut, foreshorten, reduce
Definition categories: change, decrease, lessen, minify
3. make short or shorter
- shorten the skirt
- shorten the rope by a few inches
Definition categories: change, alter, modify
4. become short or shorter
- In winter, the days shorten
Definition categories: change, decrease, diminish, fall, lessen
5. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
Similar word(s): bowdlerise, bowdlerize, castrate, expurgate
Definition categories: change, abbreviate, abridge, contract, cut, foreshorten, reduce, shorten
Sentences with shorten as a verb:
- to shorten an allowance of food