shorten

Verb

• edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
  • bowdlerize a novel
    

• become short or shorter
  • In winter, the days shorten
    

• make short or shorter
  • shorten the skirt
    
  • shorten the rope by a few inches
    

• reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
  • The manuscript must be shortened
    

• make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
  • He shortened his trip due to illness
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  bowdlerize , bowdlerise , expurgate , castrate , abridge , foreshorten , abbreviate , cut , contract , reduce
• Antonyms: 
  lengthen , elaborate , lucubrate , expatiate , exposit , enlarge , flesh out , expand , expound , dilate