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.

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

curtail one's expenses

To reduce spending.

curtail freedom

To limit personal liberties.

curtail opportunities

To restrict access to advantages.

abbreviate

To make something shorter.

diminish

To make or become less.

truncate

To shorten by cutting off.

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.