shorten

verb short·en \ˈshȯr-t^ən\

: to become shorter

: to make (something) shorter

short·enedshort·en·ing \ˈshȯrt-niŋ, ˈshȯr-t^ən-iŋ\

Full Definition of SHORTEN

transitive verb

a : to reduce the length or duration of

b : to cause to seem short

a : to reduce in power or efficiency <is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem — Isa 50:2(Revised Standard Version)>

b obsolete : to deprive of effect

: to add fat to (as pastry dough) in order to make tender and flaky

intransitive verb

: to become short or shorter

— short·en·er \ˈshȯrt-nər, ˈshȯr-t^ən-ər\ noun

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First Known Use of SHORTEN

14th century

Related to SHORTEN

Synonyms: abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut back, dock, elide, syncopate, truncate

Antonyms: elongate, extend, lengthen, prolong, protract

Synonym Discussion of SHORTEN

shorten, curtail, abbreviate, abridge, retrench mean to reduce in extent. shorten implies reduction in length or duration <shorten a speech>. curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy <ceremonies curtailed because of rain>. abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting some part <using an abbreviated title>. abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and a relative completeness in the result <the abridged version of the novel>. retrench suggests a reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive <declining business forced the company to retrench>.