curtail
UK: kɜːˈteɪl | US: kɜːrˈteɪl
vt. to reduce or limit something, especially by removing a part of it
vt. to cut short or restrict
curtail = curt<short> + ail<verb suffix>
- curt<short>: From Latin curtus (cut short, abbreviated). In English, it evolved to mean "brief" or "rudely short."
- ail<verb suffix>: A rare suffix in English, derived from Old French -aillier, often implying action or process.
Etymology Origin:
The word curtail entered English in the late 15th century from Old French courtault (shortened), which itself came from Latin curtus. Originally used to describe docked animals (e.g., horses with shortened tails), it later generalized to mean "to cut short" or "restrict." The suffix -ail reinforces the action of shortening, though its usage is now archaic outside this word.
The government decided to curtail public spending to reduce the deficit.
Bad weather forced the event organizers to curtail the outdoor activities.
His speech was curtailed abruptly when the microphone failed.
The new law aims to curtail excessive use of plastic.
She curtailed her trip due to unforeseen circumstances.