shorten

verb

1. make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration

   verb.change

   Examples

   He shortened his trip due to illness.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

2. reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

   verb.change

   Examples

   The manuscript must be shortened.

   Synonyms abbreviate abridge contract cut foreshorten reduce

   Antonyms dilate elaborate enlarge expand expatiate exposit expound flesh out lucubrate

   Source: WordNet 3.0

3. make short or shorter

   verb.change

   Examples

   Shorten the skirt.

   Shorten the rope by a few inches.

   Source: WordNet 3.0

4. become short or shorter

   verb.change

   Examples

   In winter, the days shorten.

   Antonyms lengthen

   Source: WordNet 3.0

5. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

   verb.change

   Synonyms bowdlerise bowdlerize castrate expurgate

   Source: WordNet 3.0

6. To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to <i>shorten</i> distance; to <i>shorten</i> a road; to <i>shorten</i> days of calamity.

   verb

   Source: webster1913

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

   verb

   Source: webster1913