curtail
Translation
curtail, reduce, shorten
Examples
We must curtail our spending.
We must curtail our spending.
The new law will curtail police powers.
The new law will curtail police powers.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to reduce or limit (sth.) The company had to curtail its operations.
Similar Words
Synonyms: reduce, shorten, diminish; Antonyms: extend, increase, expand
Etymology
From Old French 'court' (short) + 'tailler' (to cut). Literally 'to cut short'.
Memory Tips
Think of 'cut tail' – to make something shorter by cutting its tail off.