abbreviate abbreviate /əˈbriːviˌeɪt/

verb

1. Shorten  ( abbreviate )
   shorten
    Abbreviate New York' and write NY'
   Abbreviate New York' and write NY'
   
2. Reduce in scope while retaining essential elements  ( abbreviate , contract , cut , abridge , foreshorten , reduce , shorten )
   reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
    The manuscript must be shortened
   The manuscript must be shortened