to make (a report, story) shorter, especially by using fewer words

shorten

(to cause a liquid, gas etc) to increase in density or strength, to become thicker

abridge

to rub or scrape out (something)

remove; rub out

to take out from (a book etc) what are considered to be (improper or objectionable parts)

censor, cut

to remove all signs of (something); destroy (something)

destroy

(to cause something) to become shorter

diminish, decrease

to clean (the inside of) something

cancel, revoke