cutting short

VERB

stop earlier than intended

Synonyms

STRONGEST

abort break off curtail halt hinder interrupt postpone quit shorten terminate

WEAK

abbreviate abridge break short bring to an end; leave unfinished check checkmate clip diminish end finish freeze intercept put a stop to stop stop cold stop dead stop short

Antonyms

STRONGEST

begin continue do forward increase lengthen persevere push start

WEAK

prolong

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He seemed to acknowledge he was cutting short a life of potential.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

Tom Roebuck takes Feyi-Waboso's place on the right wing in what will be his first appearance since a try-scoring display against New Zealand in November, with a broken toe cutting short his Autumn Nations campaign.

From Barron's • Feb. 6, 2026

When questioned by her husband she spoke softly, but when she was cross-examined by the prosecution she bristled and became increasingly strident, before cutting short her time on the stand.

From BBC • Jul. 15, 2025

The university is warning foreigners to follow in Lu’s footsteps by skipping or cutting short travel outside the U.S. after finals end next week.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2024

He received these marks of gratitude with distaste, cutting short my thanks to order me out of the room.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson