Definition of shorten
1a
: to reduce the length or duration of
b
: to cause to seem short
2a
: to reduce in power or efficiency
is my hand shortened, that it cannot redeem — Isaiah 50:2 (Revised Standard Version)
b
obsolete
: to deprive of effect
3
: to add fat to (something, such as pastry dough) in order to make tender and flaky
: to become short or shorter
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for shorten
The first known use of shorten was in the 14th century
See more words from the same century