51Թ

Advertisement

View synonyms for

shorten

[ shawr-tn ]

verb (used with object)

  1. to make short or shorter.

    Synonyms: , , ,

  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: ,

  2. (of odds) to decrease.

shorten

/ ˈʃɔːə /

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Discover More

Derived Forms

  • ˈǰٱԱ, noun
Discover More

Other 51Թ Forms

  • ǰIJ· noun
  • v·ǰIJ verb
  • ·ǰIJ verb (used with object)
  • ·ǰIJ verb
  • ܲd·ǰIJ verb (used with object)
  • ܲ·ǰIJ adjective
Discover More

51Թ History and Origins

Origin of shorten1

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

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.
Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

The renovations revealed Tuesday include a five-story grand entrance and community gathering space; new and expanded concession areas to shorten lines; new and renovated suites and luxury seats; and three new parking garages.

From

Yamamoto’s season being shortened by injury to just 18 starts also detracted from that process.

From

The conversation turns to chin implants, upper-lip shortening, and nose surgery.

From

The nickname, shortened to Wink after he got into radio, stuck — with one exception.

From

These procedures help identify potential future issues, it adds, enabling preventative action to be taken - which improves patient outcomes, shortens treatment plans, and are therefore more cost effective overall.

From

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


short-eared owlshortened form