1. to make something appear shorter than it actually is, especially in drawing or painting by using perspective
Usage: art and drawing
2. to reduce the length or duration of something

Examples

• The artist foreshortens the figure’s arm to create depth in the painting.
• Perspective naturally foreshortens objects that recede into the distance.
• The photographer foreshortens the building by shooting from below.
• Bad weather foreshortens our hiking season each year.
• The new schedule foreshortens lunch breaks to thirty minutes.
• Distance foreshortens the appearance of the mountain range.
• The director foreshortens the final act to improve pacing.