abbreviate

/əˌbriviˈeɪt/

/aˈbrivieɪt/

Other forms: abbreviated; abbreviating; abbreviates

To abbreviate is to shorten. Words are often abbreviated, like when we say sked instead of schedule.

Though we most often think about words being abbreviated — especially terms like OMG and LOL for "oh my God" and "laugh out loud" — lots of things can be abbreviated. You just have to shorten them. Sudden rain might abbreviate a baseball game. A bomb threat would abbreviate a school day. Anytime something is being shortened or cut, abbreviation is going on.

Definitions of abbreviate

1. verb

   shorten
   “Abbreviate `New York' and write `NY'”

   type of:

   reduce

   make less complex
2. verb

   reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
   synonyms: abridge, contract, cut, foreshorten, reduce, shorten

   cut, edit, edit out

   cut and assemble the components of

   types:

   bowdlerise, bowdlerize, castrate, expurgate, shorten

   edit by omitting or modifying parts considered indelicate

   concentrate, condense, digest

   make more concise

   capsule, capsulise, capsulize, encapsulate

   put in a short or concise form; reduce in volume

   telescope

   make smaller or shorter

   type of:

   decrease, lessen, minify

   make smaller