shorten

(verb) make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration. Example: "He shortened his trip due to illness."

(verb) reduce in scope while retaining essential elements. Synonyms: abridge, foreshorten, abbreviate, cut, contract, reduce. Example: "The manuscript must be shortened."

(verb) make short or shorter. Examples: "Shorten the skirt." "Shorten the rope by a few inches."

(verb) become short or shorter. Example: "In winter, the days shorten."

(verb) edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate. Synonyms: bowdlerize, bowdlerise, expurgate, castrate. Example: "Bowdlerize a novel."