What is the term for shortening or condensing a text or speech?

The term that refers to shortening or condensing a text or speech is "abridge." This word is used specifically to describe the process of reducing the length of a text while retaining its essential meaning and core elements. When a text is abridged, extraneous details or less critical parts are removed to create a more concise version, making it easier for readers or listeners to grasp the main ideas quickly.

In contrast, "abscond" refers to the act of fleeing or escaping, typically to avoid legal prosecution. "Abstract" can denote a summary or brief overview of a larger work, but it does not inherently convey the idea of shortening an existing work. "Accumulate" means to gather or amass something over time, which is completely unrelated to the concept of condensing or shortening text.