curtail

Vocabulary Word

Definition

'Curtail' refers to reducing, limiting, or stopping something before it was originally intended to end. Imagine cutting short a movie because it's too long.

Examples in Different Contexts

In environmental policies, 'curtail' often means reducing harmful emissions or waste. An environmental specialist might advise, 'To preserve air quality, we should curtail industrial emissions.'

Practice Scenarios

Impact

Scenario:

Rampant unchecked deforestation is a direct threat to our biodiversity.

Response:

I agree. Curtailing the rate of deforestation should be our immediate focus to conserve biodiversity.

Creative

Scenario:

The narrative of this novel seems stretched, weakening its dramatic potency.

Response:

You're right. Curtailing the length of the novel and focusing on the main plotline would increase its impact.