to shorten (a word or phrase) by omitting letters, substituting shorter forms, etc., so that the shortened form can represent the whole word or phrase, as ft. for foot, ab. for about, R.I. for Rhode Island, NW for Northwest, or Xn for Christian.

to reduce (anything) in length, duration, etc.; make briefer

to abbreviate a speech.

to use abbreviations.

verb

amplify , enlarge , expand , extend , increase , lengthen

verb

abridge , abstract , boil down * , clip , compress , condense , contract , cut , cut back , cut down , cut off , cut out , digest , encapsulate , get to the meat , pare , prune , put in a nutshell , reduce , summarize , take out , trim , abort , curtail , restrict , stop short , truncate , concentrate , diminish , elide , epitomize , pack , shorten , shrink , simplify , slash , squeeze , syncopate , synopsize