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Synonyms
short·en (shôŕtn)

verb: -ened, -en·ing, -ens. 

transitive verb 

  1. To make short or shorter.
  2. Nautical To take in (a sail) so that less canvas is exposed to the wind, thereby reducing speed.
  3. To reduce in force, efficacy, or intensity.
  4. To add shortening to (dough) so as to make flaky.

intransitive verb 

To become short or shorter.

derivatives

short́en·er
noun

synonyms:

shorten, abbreviate, abridge, curtail, truncate These verbs mean to diminish the length, duration, or extent of by or as if by cutting: vices that will shorten your life; abbreviated the speech; abridging the citizens' rights; curtailed their visit; truncated the conversation.
Antonym: lengthen