Curtail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔪

Add to dictionary

curtail

[kəˈrteɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

reduce

To cut short; cut off a part of; abridge; reduce; diminish.

Synonyms

abbreviate, diminish, shorten, truncate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
curtail	Used to indicate reducing or limiting something, often related to time, expenses, or activities. Has a formal tone. The company will curtail its spending next year
shorten	Used when making something shorter in length or duration. Can be used in everyday conversation as well as in formal contexts. We need to shorten the rope to make it safe to use
truncate	Used when cutting off the end of something. Often found in technical or formal writings. The script was too long, so we had to truncate it to fit the time slot
abbreviate	Used when shortening words, phrases, or texts. Common in writing and formal documentation. The title of the book was too long, so the publisher decided to abbreviate it
diminish	Used when something is reduced in size, importance, or intensity. Can have a negative connotation. His influence in the company started to diminish after the scandal

Examples of usage

The government curtailed civil liberties during the emergency.
She felt her independence curtailed by the necessity of earning a living.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

restrict

To restrict, limit, or deprive someone of something.

Synonyms

constrain, limit, restrain, restrict.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
curtail	Used when talking about reducing the length or amount of something, often in a more formal or official setting. The government decided to curtail spending on public services. They had to curtail their holiday due to unforeseen circumstances.
restrict	Generally used to talk about limiting the freedom or movement of someone or something, and often involves rules or laws. The new policy will restrict access to the building during off-hours. They plan to restrict the use of plastic bags to reduce environmental impact.
limit	Generally used to refer to setting a maximum amount or boundary for something. They need to limit the number of attendees due to space constraints. Parents often limit screen time for their children.
constrain	Often used to describe limiting someone's actions or preventing something from developing freely; it can imply a strong restriction or pressure. His creativity was constrained by the limitations of the software. Financial difficulties constrained their ability to expand the business.
restrain	Used when discussing controlling someone's actions or emotions, often implying physical force or self-control. The security had to restrain the unruly spectator. She struggled to restrain her anger during the meeting.

Examples of usage

The company curtailed their spending on new projects.
The pandemic curtailed our ability to travel.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

In the 16th century, the concept of curtailing had implications in law, particularly related to reducing legal rights.
During economic downturns, governments have often curtailed spending to balance budgets, influencing public policies and welfare.
The term has historically been used to describe the limitations imposed on royal powers, especially during constitutional changes.

Pop Culture

In music, artists often curtail their songs for radio play, shortening them to fit a standard duration.
Television shows sometimes curtail episodes to meet stricter time slots without compromising storylines.
Books are often curtailled when adapted into movies, focusing on essential plots while eliminating subplots.

Psychology

Research shows that curtailing certain behaviors, like excessive screen time, can lead to improved mental health outcomes.
The idea of curtailing negative thoughts is common in cognitive-behavioral therapy, promoting a healthier mindset.
Self-regulation involves the ability to curtail impulses and focus on long-term goals.

Environmental Science

Many environmental initiatives aim to curtail emissions to combat climate change and protect natural resources.
Programs designed to curtail waste production help promote sustainability and encourage recycling efforts.
Policies that curtail deforestation seek to protect biodiversity and maintain ecological balance.

Origin of 'curtail'

Main points about word origin

The term comes from the Middle English 'curtailen', meaning to cut short.
Originally, it referred to cutting the tails of horses and dogs, and over time it evolved to mean limiting anything.
The root connects to the Old French word 'court' which means short.

The word 'curtail' has its origins in late Middle English, from Old French 'courtauld', past participle of 'courtaulder' meaning 'dock, shorten'. It ultimately comes from Latin 'curtus' meaning 'short'. Over time, the word evolved to its current usage in English, primarily referring to the act of cutting short or reducing something.

See also: curtain, curtly, curtness, curtsey, curtsy.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,609, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14606 boating
14607 kidding
14608 metaphorical
14609 curtail
14610 unanswered
14611 borderline
14612 replicated
...