shorten in WordNet English dictionary

1. reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
   "The manuscript must be shortened"
   abridge  foreshorten  abbreviate  shorten  cut  contract  reduce 
   
2. edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate
   "bowdlerize a novel"
   bowdlerize  bowdlerise  expurgate  castrate  shorten 
   
3. become short or shorter
   "In winter, the days shorten"
   shorten 
   
4. make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration
   "He shortened his trip due to illness"
   shorten 
   
5. make short or shorter
   "shorten the skirt"; "shorten the rope by a few inches"
   shorten