1. (v.) To make short or shorter in measure, extent, or time; as, to shorten distance; to shorten a road; to shorten days of calamity.

2. (v.) To reduce or diminish in amount, quantity, or extent; to lessen; to abridge; to curtail; to contract; as, to shorten work, an allowance of food, etc.

3. (v.) To make deficient (as to); to deprive; -- with of.

4. (v.) To make short or friable, as pastry, with butter, lard, pot liquor, or the like.

5. (v. i.) To become short or shorter; as, the day shortens in northern latitudes from June to December; a metallic rod shortens by cold.