[v] make short or shorter; "shorten the skirt"; "shorten the rope by a few inches"
[v] edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate; "bowdlerize a novel"
[v] reduce in scope while retaining essential elements; "The manuscript must be shortened"
[v] become short or shorter; "In winter, the days shorten"
[v] make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration; "He shortened his trip due to illness"