mindmap root((缩减)) shorten implies a reduction in length or duration: ~ the speech to fit the allotted time. curtail adds an implication of cutting that in some way deprives of completeness or adequacy: ceremonies ~ed because of the rain. abbreviate implies a making shorter usually by omitting or cutting off some part: hostile questioning that ~d the interview. abridge implies a reduction in compass or scope with retention of essential elements and relative completeness of the result: the ~d version of the novel. retrench suggests a reduction in extent of something felt to be excessive: falling prices forced the company to ~.