curtail
To reduce or restrict something, often abruptly
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to curtail unnecessary spending until the budget situation improves.”
Over coffee
“I'm trying to curtail my coffee habit to just one cup a day.”
Why this word
reduce
curtail implies cutting short or restricting something already in progress, while reduce is more general about decreasing
limit
curtail emphasizes cutting back or shortening duration/extent, while limit just sets boundaries
cut
curtail is more formal and emphasizes restriction of scope or duration, while cut is informal and general
Usage tip
Implies a deliberate reduction or limitation, often due to constraints or discipline
Etymology
Latin: curtus (shortened) + French tail (cut)
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Related words
restrict
To limit or control something within certain boundaries
dilute
To make weaker by adding something or spreading too thin
harness
To capture and use something effectively for a particular purpose
throttle
To reduce the speed, rate, or flow of something
dissipate
To gradually disappear or scatter
modulate
To adjust or vary the intensity, tone, or level of something