curtail
1- to cut short; cut off a part of; abridge; reduce; diminish.
Origin of curtail
1Synonyms for curtail
See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.comcurtail
2- a horizontal, spiral termination to the lower end of a stair railing.
- Also called curtail step. a starting step having a scroll termination to one or both ends of the tread.
Origin of curtail
2Related Words for curtail
trim, halt, reduce, shorten, downsize, decrease, slash, lessen, diminish, cramp, cut, clip, truncate, retrench, contract, chop, dock, lop, abbreviate, minifyExamples from the Web for curtail
Contemporary Examples of curtail
Rail at the bigots in Washington on TV seeking to curtail equality?
With the World Cup fast approaching, Brazil is attempting to curtail its controversial soccer fan clubs.
The Daily Beast’s Best Longreads, May 31, 2014May 31, 2014
But it is also time to curtail the demand for ivory in Asia.
The promises of benefit are false, and government action to curtail this kind of fraud is long overdue.
Bill de Blasio successfully campaigned for mayor on the promise to curtail it.
Historical Examples of curtail
I would not wish for a moment to curtail the holy rights of wimmen.
Samantha Among the Brethren, Part 5.Josiah Allen's Wife (Marietta Holley)
To curtail the activities in one is not necessarily a favor to the other.
Herbert HooverVernon Kellogg
We have lost five days here, and I shall be compelled to curtail my journey.
A Mating in the WildsOttwell Binns
And you will forgive me, I am sure, if I curtail our interview.
Strictly BusinessO. Henry
I have no wish, even if I had the right, to curtail your freedom.
Lover or FriendRosa Nouchette Carey
curtail
- (tr) to cut short; abridge
Word Origin for curtail
Word Origin and History for curtail
late 15c., from Middle French courtault "made short," from court "short" (Old French cort, from Latin curtus; see curt) + -ault pejorative suffix of Germanic origin. Originally curtal; used of horses with docked tails, which probably influenced the spelling. Related: Curtailed; curtailing.