SHORTEN

adj to make deficient (as to); to deprive;

— with of.

2. shorten ·adj to make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.

3. shorten ·adj to make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.

4. shorten ·vi to become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from june to december; a metallic rod shortens by cold.

5. shorten ·adj to reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, ·etc.