English Explanatory Dictionary

curtail

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To cut short the tail of (an animal).
  2. To shorten or abridge the duration of; to bring an end to; to truncate.
  3. To limit or restrict; to keep in check.
noun
  1. A scroll termination, as of a step, etc.

Pronunciation

/kɜːˈteɪl/ /kɚˈteɪl/ en-us-curtail.ogg

Word forms

curtail curtails curtailing curtailed

Etymology

Alteration of curtal, from Old French courtault (“which has been shortened”), itself from court (“short”) (from Latin curtus) + -ault

Synonyms

shorten control limit restrain crop dock abbreviate behedge

Related words

curt curtal

Derived words

curtailable curtail dog curtailer curtailment uncurtailed
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