Main Entry: short·en

Pronunciation: \ˈshȯr-t^ən\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): short·ened; short·en·ing \ˈshȯrt-niŋ, ˈshȯr-t^ən-iŋ\

Date: 14th century

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 flakyintransitive verb : to become short or shorter

— short·en·er \ˈshȯrt-nər, ˈshȯr-t^ən-ər\ noun

synonyms 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>.