to make briefer, shorter

He abbreviates his speech to have more time for work.

fè vin pi brèf, pi kout

Li abreje diskou li an pou li genyen plis tan pou li travay.

to shorten the length of

The president tries to abridge his speech from an hour to ten minutes.

rakousi longè

Prezidan an eseye abreje diskou li an de yon (1) èdtan a (10) minit.

cause (pain, distress, or difficulty) to become less severe or serious

the drug was used to promote sleep and to relieve pain

lakòz doulè, detrès, oubyen difikilte) vin mwens grav oubyen li grav

yo sèvi ak dwòg la pou ankouraje dòmi epi abreje doulè a