# curtail

/kɝˈteɪɫ/ (US) · /kɜːtˈeɪl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/curtail
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to make something shorter or smaller, especially by cutting off a part of it. In architecture, it means to cut back a wall or a structure to make it shorter.

For teachers: to shorten or reduce in size, extent, or duration. In an architectural context, it refers to the act of cutting back a wall or structural element to a specific height or length.

## Examples

- The architect decided to curtail the height of the building.
- To create a more open floor plan, the builders had to curtail the original stone wall at the first floor.
- The restoration project required the careful curtailment of the original timber frame to match the proportions of the surrounding medieval structures without compromising the building's structural integrity.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.