SHORTEN, verb transitive short'n.

1. To make short in measure, extent or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.

2. To abridge; to lessen; as, to shorten labor or work.

3. To curtail; as, to shorten the hair by clipping.

4. To cintract; to lessen; to diminish in extent or amount; as, to shorten sail; to shorten an allowance of provisions.

5. To confine; to restrain.

Here where the subject is so fruitful, I am shortened by my chain. Dryden.

6. To lop; to deprive.

The youth-shortened of his ears. Dryden.

SHORTEN, verb intransitive short'n.

1. To become short or shorter. The day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December.

2. To contract; as, a cord shortens by being wet; a metallic rod shortens by cold.