Need another word for Curtail? Use these synonyms of Curtail from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
shorten
reduce
cut back
decrease
lessen
diminish
abate
mitigate
moderate
temper
restrain
limit
restrict
confine
contract
shrink
compress
condense
truncate
prune
pare
clip
shear
dock
cut
slash
chop
lop
sever
curtail
retrench
downsize
streamline
simplify
minimize
scale back
cut down
pare down
whittle down
narrow down
tighten up
rein in
hold back
check
curb
bridle
leash
muzzle
gag
stifle
smother
suppress
quell
quash
squash
crush
stamp out
put down
clamp down
crack down
Meaning of Curtail
to reduce or limit something, such as an activity, a right, or a privilege
Definitions
- to reduce or limit something, such as an activity, a right, or a privilege
- * to stop or prevent something from continuing or increasing
- * to cut short or abbreviate something, such as a speech, a visit, or a stay
Etymology of Curtail
The word "curtail" comes from the Old French "curtailer", which is derived from "curt", meaning "short", and "tailer", meaning "to cut"
The word has been used in English since the 15th century to mean "to cut short" or "to reduce"
Originally, the word was used to describe the act of cutting short a tail, but it soon took on a broader meaning to include the reduction or limitation of anything
Example Uses
- The company had to curtail its operations due to financial difficulties
- * The government curtailed civil liberties during the state of emergency
- * The speaker had to curtail her remarks due to time constraints
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
increase
expand
extend
enlarge
augment
enhance
amplify
magnify
escalate
intensify
heighten
strengthen
boost
raise
elevate
prolong
lengthen
broaden
widen
deepen
thicken
multiply
duplicate
replicate
grow
develop
flourish
thrive
prosper
advance
progress
accelerate
expedite
hasten
quicken
sharpen
increase
maximize
optimize
supplement
add
accumulate
amass
hoard
stockpile
reserve
save
conserve
preserve
protect
defend
maintain
uphold
support
sustain
prolong
perpetuate