Definition of "Shorten" :

verb: edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

verb: reduce in scope while retaining essential elements

"The manuscript must be shortened."

verb: become short or shorter

"In winter, the days shorten."

verb: make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration

"He shortened his trip due to illness."

verb: make short or shorter

"Shorten the skirt."