shorten meaning and definition

SHORTEN verb

Definition of shorten (verb)

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