curtail
Translation
to reduce, to restrict, to cut short
Examples
We must curtail our spending.
We must curtail our spending.
The new law will curtail our freedom.
The new law will curtail our freedom.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to reduce or limit (sth.) We must curtail our spending.
Similar Words
Synonyms: reduce, shorten, decrease; Antonyms: extend, increase, lengthen
Etymology
From Old French 'court' (short) and 'tailler' (to cut). Literally 'to cut short'.
Memory Tips
Imagine 'cutting a tail' short to remember it means to reduce or shorten something.