verb (v)

• make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration(verb.change)

  Example:
  He shortened his trip due to illness.
  

  source: wordnet30
• reduce in scope while retaining essential elements(verb.change)

  Example:
  The manuscript must be shortened.
  

  Synonym:
  abbreviate, abridge, contract, cut, foreshorten, reduce
  Antonym:
  dilate, elaborate, enlarge, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, lucubrate
  

  source: wordnet30
• make short or shorter(verb.change)

  Example:
  Shorten the skirt.
  Shorten the rope by a few inches.
  

  source: wordnet30
• become short or shorter(verb.change)

  Example:
  In winter, the days shorten.
  

  Antonym:
  lengthen
  

  source: wordnet30
• edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate(verb.change)

  Synonym:
  bowdlerise, bowdlerize, castrate, expurgate
  

  source: wordnet30
• To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.(verb)

  source: webster1913
• To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.(verb)

  source: webster1913