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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024short•en /ˈʃɔrtən/USA pronunciation v. - to (cause to) become short or shorter: [~ + object]She had a hard time shortening her ten-page paper.[no object]The summer seemed to have shortened just as it was getting to be fun.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024short•en (shôr′tn),USA pronunciation v.t. - to make short or shorter.
- to reduce, decrease, take in, etc.:to shorten sail.
- Foodto make (pastry, bread, etc.) short, as with butter or other fat.
- Sportchoke (def. 8).
v.i. - to become short or shorter.
- (of odds) to decrease.
short′en•er, n. - 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged condense, lessen, limit, restrict. 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.
- 5.See corresponding entry in Unabridged contract, lessen.
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