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