Dictionary definition for: Shorten
1. (v) make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration; "He shortened his trip due to illness"
2. (v) reduce in scope while retaining essential elements; "The manuscript must be shortened"
3. (v) make short or shorter; "shorten the skirt" "shorten the rope by a few inches"
4. (v) become short or shorter; "In winter, the days shorten"
5. (v) edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate; "bowdlerize a novel"
WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved.