curtail
1 Americanverb (used with object)
noun
-
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.
verb
Related Words
See shorten.
Other Word Forms
- curtailedly adverb
- curtailer noun
- curtailment noun
- noncurtailing adjective
- uncurtailed adjective
Etymology
Origin of curtail1
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English curtailen “to restrict” (said of royal succession or inheritance), probably a conflation of Middle French courtau(l)d ( curtal ) and Middle English taillen “to cut” ( taille, tailor 1 )
Origin of curtail2
Probably alteration, by folk etymology, of curtal
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When prices spike or supply tightens, industrial customers who have accepted increased risk may be curtailed by their local distribution company.
Dalio believes that protecting one’s wealth in times of war is difficult, as “normal activities are curtailed, traditionally safe investments aren’t safe, capital mobility is limited and high taxes are imposed.”
From MarketWatch
In particular, they have demanded curtailed patrols, a ban on ICE agents wearing face masks during operations and the requirement that they obtain a judicial warrant to enter private property.
From Barron's
In particular, they demand curtailed roaming patrols, a ban on ICE agents wearing facemasks during operations, and the use of a judicial warrant to enter private property.
From Barron's
The cuts targeted a slate of programs aimed at tracking and curtailing HIV and other disease outbreaks, including one of California’s main early-warning systems for HIV outbreaks, state and local officials said.
From Los Angeles Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
