verb (v)

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

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

  source: wordnet30
• lessen, diminish, or curtail(verb.change)

  Example:
  The new law might abridge our freedom of expression.
  

  source: wordnet30
• To make shorter; to shorten in duration; to lessen; to diminish; to curtail; as, to abridge labor; to abridge power or rights.(verb)

  source: webster1913