shorten

short·en

verb \ˈshȯr-t^ən\

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

Definition of SHORTEN

transitive verb

1

a : to reduce the length or duration of b : to cause to seem short

2

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

3

: 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

Examples of SHORTEN

1. shorten a pair of pants
2. He had to shorten the speech.
3. “Franklin D. Roosevelt” is often shortened to “FDR.”

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

Related Words: abstract, digest, encapsulate, epitomize, recapitulate, summarize, sum up; abate, compress, constrict, contract, cut, cut down, pare, prune, trim; decrease, de-escalate, deflate, diminish, downsize, dwindle, lessen, lower, moderate, modify, reduce, retrench, shrink, slash, subtract (from), taper

Near Antonyms: enlarge, expand, supplement; add, aggrandize, amplify, augment, balloon, boost, dilate, escalate, heighten, increase, maximize, pump up, raise; blow up, distend, inflate, swell

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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>.

Rhymes with SHORTEN

quartan