shorten
/ʃˈɔrtʌn/
Explore definitions, synonyms, and language insights of shorten
Definitions
Verb
make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration; "He shortened his trip due to illness"
Verb
reduce in scope while retaining essential elements; "The manuscript must be shortened"
Verb
make short or shorter; "shorten the skirt"; "shorten the rope by a few inches"
Verb
become short or shorter; "In winter, the days shorten"
Verb
edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate; "bowdlerize a novel"
Synonyms
More General Terms
abbreviate
abridge
alter
bring down
change
contract
cut
cut back
cut down
decrease
diminish
fall
foreshorten
lessen
minify
modify
reduce
shorten
trim
trim back
trim down
More Specific Terms
bowdlerise
bowdlerize
castrate
clip
concentrate
condense
curtail
cut
cut short
digest
expurgate
foreshorten
shorten
syncopate
truncate