verb

curtail

kur-TAYL

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Curtail (verb) means to cut something short or reduce it, especially something that would otherwise have continued at its full extent. Example: “The strike curtailed the summer timetable.”

verb

To cut something short or reduce it, especially something that would otherwise have continued at its full extent.

"The strike curtailed the summer timetable."

"She had to curtail her trip when her father fell ill."

formal To restrict a freedom, right or activity, limiting what someone is allowed to do.

"The new law curtails the right to protest."

"Spending was sharply curtailed after the audit."

How to use curtail

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo cut something short or cut it back.

When to use it

Slightly formal. Common in journalism, law and business writing; in speech people more often say cut back or cut short.

Memory tip

Curtail always takes an object — you curtail something. It implies shortening what was already under way, so it fits trips, rights and budgets better than plans not yet begun.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

curtail vs curb curtail vs cancel curtail vs truncate

Common pairings

curtail spending curtail freedoms severely curtail curtail a visit

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “curtail” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The strike _____ the summer timetable.

Etymology

From curtal, an obsolete word for a horse with a docked tail, reshaped under the influence of Latin curtus 'shortened, cut short'.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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cut short reduce trim shorten scale back restrict limit curb rein in clip

Antonyms

extend prolong expand broaden liberalise

Related words

time control video increase piece grow develop limit

Rhymes for curtail

rail tail pail mail nail sail fail hail jail vail bail wail

See all rhymes for curtail →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between curtail and curb?

Curb means to hold something back or keep it under control, often continuously — you curb your enthusiasm or curb inflation. Curtail means to cut something down in extent or duration, so it points to a specific reduction rather than ongoing restraint.

What is the difference between curtail and cancel?

Curtailing something shortens it but leaves part of it in place; cancelling ends it entirely. A curtailed season is played in part, whereas a cancelled season does not happen at all.

Is curtail formal?

It is on the formal side. It reads naturally in news reports, contracts and official statements, but in casual conversation 'cut short' or 'cut back' sounds more idiomatic.

What is the meaning of curtail?

"curtail" (verb) means to cut something short or reduce it, especially something that would otherwise have continued at its full extent.

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