shorten

Edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate.

Reduce in scope while retaining essential elements.

“The manuscript must be shortened”

Become short or shorter.

“In winter, the days shorten”

Make shorter than originally intended; reduce or retrench in length or duration.

“He shortened his trip due to illness”

Make short or shorter.

“shorten the skirt”

“shorten the rope by a few inches”