shorten
short.en \'sho.rt-*n\ \'sho.rt-nin, -*n-in\ \-n*r, -*n-*r\ vb or
short.en.ing 1: to make short or shorter 2a: to reduce in power or
efficiency obs 2b: to deprive of effect 3: to make crumbly {~ pastry} :
to become short or shorter TRENCH mean to reduce in extent. SHORTEN implies
reduction in length or duration; CURTAIL adds an implication of cutting
that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy; ABBREVIATE implies
the shortening of a word or phrase by contraction or by omission of parts;
ABRIDGE implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential
elements and a relative completeness in the result; RETRENCH suggests a
reduction in extent or costs of something felt to be excessive -
short.en.er n SYN syn SHORTEN, CURTAIL, ABBREVIATE, ABRIDGE, RE