Curtail/kɜːrˈteɪl/ Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Negative Implication Often implies imposition or a response to negative circumstances. The company was forced to curtail production due to the market crash. Pro Tip 2/3Not Always Voluntary Curtailment can suggest actions are taken out of necessity, not choice. The airport had to curtail flights because of the severe weather. Pro Tip 3/3Authority or Control Use 'curtail' when a higher authority or situation limits something. The new regulations will curtail our ability to invest freely.