Shorten

Origin

From short + -en.

Full definition of shorten

Verb

1. (transitive) To make shorter; to abbreviate.
• 1877, Anna Sewell, Black Beauty Chapter 22http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Black_Beauty/22York came round to our heads and shortened the rein himself, one hole I think; every little makes a difference, be it for better or worse, and that day we had a steep hill to go up.
2. (intransitive) To become shorter.
3. (transitive) To make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).
• DrydenSpoiled of his nose, and shortened of his ears.
4. (transitive) To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, etc.
5. (transitive) To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen.to shorten an allowance of food
• DrydenHere, where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain.
6. (nautical, transitive) To take in the slack of (a rope).
7. (nautical, transitive) To reduce (sail) by taking it in.

Synonyms

• See also .

Antonyms

• lengthen

Anagrams

• hornets
• thrones