shorten
/ˈʃɔɹtn̩/ verb B2- To make shorter; to abbreviate.
- To become shorter.
- To make deficient (as to); to deprive (of).
- To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, etc.
- To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen. · to shorten an allowance of food
- To make crumbly.
- To take in the slack of (a rope).
- To reduce (sail) by taking it in.
He/she/it shortens · Past shortened · Past participle shortened · -ing form shortening
Verb forms
- Base form
- shorten
- He/she/it
- shortens
- Past
- shortened
- Past participle
- shortened
- -ing form
- shortening
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
Dantès ordered the helmsman to put down his helm, in order to leave La Pianosa to starboard, as he knew that he should shorten his course by two or three knots.
Elizabeth had hoped that his resentment might shorten his visit, but his plan did not appear in the least affected by it.
This embarrassment had completely escaped Albert, but it caused Lucien to shorten his visit; he was evidently ill at ease.
Liam explained, “It's just a common, shortened word for the afternoon, Chloe.”
Other matches
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