shorten Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
- He shortened his trip due to illness
verb reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
reduce; cut; abbreviate; abridge; contract; foreshorten.
- The manuscript must be shortened
verb make short or shorter
- shorten the skirt
- shorten the rope by a few inches
verb become short or shorter
- In winter, the days shorten
verb edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
bowdlerise; expurgate; bowdlerize; castrate.
- bowdlerize a novel

See Short, a.

imperfect & past participle Shortened ; present participle & verbal noun Shortening

To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.
To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.
Here, where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain. Dryden.
To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.
Spoiled of his nose, and shortened of his ears. Dryden.
To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.

To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.