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

Physicians say no syrup shortens their course; at best, they offer fleeting comfort.

From BBC

It has created spare capacity by reducing the amount of support for claimants across the country, including shortening initial meetings and cutting the number of follow-up appointments.

From BBC

The policy change comes after Homeland Security chief Kristi Noem complained that her remarks on Aug. 31 program were shortened before airing.

From Los Angeles Times

The shortened “Thrilla in Manila” stuck and became the label and the headline for what was to become one of the greatest boxing matches of all time.

From Los Angeles Times

And is anyone calling for those to be shortened to pander to the attention span of younger audiences?

From BBC

Related Words

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