shorten

[ shawr-tn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make short or shorter.

   Synonyms: restrict, limit, lessen, condense

2. to reduce, decrease, take in, etc.:

   to shorten sail.

3. to make (pastry, bread, etc.) short, as with butter or other fat.
4. Sports. choke ( def 8 ).

verb (used without object)

1. to become short or shorter.

   Synonyms: lessen, contract

2. (of odds) to decrease.

shorten

/ ˈʃɔːtən /

verb

1. to make or become short or shorter
2. tr nautical to reduce the area of (sail)
3. tr to make (pastry, bread, etc) short, by adding butter or another fat
4. gambling to cause (the odds) to lessen or (of odds) to become less

Derived Forms

• ˈshortener, noun

Other Words From

• shorten·er noun
• over·shorten verb
• pre·shorten verb (used with object)
• re·shorten verb
• under·shorten verb (used with object)
• un·shorten adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shorten¹

First recorded in 1505–15; short + -en ¹

Synonym Study

Shorten, abbreviate, abridge, curtail mean to make shorter or briefer. Shorten is a general word meaning to make less in extent or duration: to shorten a dress, a prisoner's sentence. The other three terms suggest methods of shortening. To abbreviate is to make shorter by omission or contraction: to abbreviate a word. To abridge is to reduce in length or size by condensing, summarizing, and the like: to abridge a document. Curtail suggests deprivation and lack of completeness because of omitting some part: to curtail an explanation.

Example Sentences

The guidance highlights that while there are some increased risks linked to taking HRT, it is unlikely to lengthen or shorten overall life expectancy.

From BBC

Each October, as the days shorten and the air grows crisp, millions of Americans prepare for the beloved – and often sugar-fueled – tradition of Halloween.

From Salon

An issue dividing some California members has been housing, and whether the Sierra Club — long seen by many as anti-development — needs to push for denser housing in urban areas, in part because it can shorten commutes and reduce pollution.

From Los Angeles Times

Backbench Labour MP Kim Leadbeater has put forward a bill proposing that terminally ill adults nearing the end of their lives get the right to choose to shorten their deaths if they wish.

From BBC

The Spen Valley MP said she hoped for "honest, compassionate and respectful debate" on her proposal, which would establish the right for terminally-ill eligible adults to have the choice at the end of life to shorten the time before their deaths.

From BBC

Related Words

• abbreviate
• compress
• curtail
• cut
• cut back
• cut down
• lessen
• minimize
• reduce
• shrink
• slash
• trim