shorten

[shawr-tn]

verb (used with object)

1. to make short or shorter.

   Synonyms: restrict, limit, lessen, condense

2. to reduce, decrease, take in, etc..

   to shorten sail.

3. to make (pastry, bread, etc.) short, as with butter or other fat.

4. Sports.,  choke.

verb (used without object)

1. to become short or shorter.

   Synonyms: lessen, contract

2. (of odds) to decrease.

shorten

/ ˈʃɔːtən /

verb

1. to make or become short or shorter

2. (tr) nautical to reduce the area of (sail)

3. (tr) to make (pastry, bread, etc) short, by adding butter or another fat

4. gambling to cause (the odds) to lessen or (of odds) to become less

Other Word Forms

• shortener noun
• overshorten verb
• preshorten verb (used with object)
• reshorten verb
• undershorten verb (used with object)
• unshorten adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shorten¹

First recorded in 1505–15; short + -en ¹

Synonym Study

Shorten, abbreviate, abridge, curtail mean to make shorter or briefer. Shorten is a general word meaning to make less in extent or duration: to shorten a dress, a prisoner's sentence. The other three terms suggest methods of shortening. To abbreviate is to make shorter by omission or contraction: to abbreviate a word. To abridge is to reduce in length or size by condensing, summarizing, and the like: to abridge a document. Curtail suggests deprivation and lack of completeness because of omitting some part: to curtail an explanation.

Example Sentences

The Railroad Commission approved the permit without shortening its duration.

From Salon

He has proposed shortening current dietary guidelines from 149 pages to four or five pages that emphasize the importance of eating whole foods, including foods that contain saturated fat, The Washington Post reported.

From Salon

Netanyahu's office said he had "directed that the timetables - for seizing control of the last terrorist strongholds and the defeat of Hamas - be shortened".

From BBC

The US Open's decision to revamp its mixed doubles - enticing the singles superstars with lucrative cash incentives, a shortened format and slot before the other main draws - certainly got people chatting.

From BBC

As well as the shortened format and convenient scheduling, there is also a lucrative prize pot - something that has been particularly galling for the doubles specialists who are missing out.

From BBC

Related Words

• abbreviate 
• compress 
• curtail 
• cut 
• cut back 
• cut down 
• lessen 
• minimize 
• reduce 
• shrink 
• slash 
• trim