Curtail Meaning in English
word
Definition
To reduce, limit, or make something shorter; to cut down the amount or extent of something, often related to rights, activities, or resources.
Usage & Nuances
'Curtail' is formal and used mostly in written or professional contexts. Commonly paired with nouns like 'spending', 'freedom', 'rights', 'activities'. It usually suggests a restriction that is seen as negative. Not used for physical cutting; use 'cut' or 'shorten' for simple objects.
Example Sentences
The company will curtail its spending this year.
basic
They decided to curtail the celebration because of the weather.
basic
New laws may curtail our freedom.
basic
Budget cuts forced the school to curtail after-school programs.
natural
Many people were angry when their rights were suddenly curtailed.
natural
To save time, we had to curtail the meeting and skip some topics.
natural