1. To reduce the space or gap between two points, objects, or people; to make something closer or more accessible
The new highway will shorten the distance between the two cities.
A nova rodovia vai encurtar a distância entre as duas cidades.
2. To reduce emotional or social distance; to bring people closer together
Regular communication helps shorten the distance between family members living far apart.
A comunicação regular ajuda a encurtar a distância entre membros da família que vivem longe.
3. To narrow the gap in a competition or contest
The team shortened the distance by scoring two quick goals.
O time encurtou a distância ao marcar dois gols rápidos.