Curtail

/kɜːrˈteɪl/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To reduce in extent or quantity; to impose a restriction on.
The school decided to curtail the lunch period to allow more time for afternoon classes.
To cut short; to truncate.
The meeting was curtailed due to unforeseen circumstances.
To lessen or diminish.
The government plans to curtail spending in order to balance the budget.
To restrict or limit something.
New laws were enacted to curtail the use of harmful pesticides.

Etymology

Middle English 'curtailen', from Old French 'court' (short) + 'tailler' (to cut).

Common Phrases and Expressions

curtail one's expenses
To reduce spending.
curtail freedom
To limit personal liberties.
curtail opportunities
To restrict access to advantages.

Related Words

abbreviate
To make something shorter.
diminish
To make or become less.
truncate
To shorten by cutting off.

Slang Meanings

Cut it short.
I had to curtail the meeting, it was dragging on.
Scale back.
We're going to curtail our vacation plans this year.