Curtail

/kɜːrˈteɪl/ verb

Definition

To reduce, cut short, or limit something.

Etymology

From Middle English 'curtail' or 'curtaillen', related to 'curt' meaning 'short'. It originally meant cutting off part of something, especially a tail.

Kelly Says

To 'curtail' is like metaphorically chopping the tail off an activity. When you curtail spending or freedom, you’re trimming it down so it can’t stretch as far.

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