harden

verb
UK: /ˈhɑːdn/
US: /ˈhɑːrdn/

  1. To become firm or solid.

    1. The paint will harden as it dries in the sun.
    2. As the cement began to harden, they smoothed the surface.

  2. To become more severe or determined in attitude.

    1. His heart began to harden after the betrayal.
    2. The government's stance on immigration is expected to harden further.

  3. To make something stronger or more resistant.

    1. Exercise can harden your muscles over time.
    2. The steel is heated to harden it before use in construction.

Synonyms

solidify stiffen toughen fortify temper season
harden intransitive-verb

  1. To make or become unsympathetic or uncaring.

    1. The experience can harden a person to the suffering of others.
    2. Living in poverty can harden a person's outlook on life.
harden transitive-verb

  1. To make or become stronger and more difficult to break or damage.

    1. You should harden the metal for making the tools.
    2. The blacksmith worked to harden the sword blade through heating and cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "harden" in English means: To become firm or solid., To become more severe or determined in attitude., To make something stronger or more resistant..

The phonetic transcription of "harden" is /ˈhɑːdn/ in British English and /ˈhɑːrdn/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "harden": solidify, stiffen, toughen, fortify, temper, season.

Example usage of "harden": "The paint will harden as it dries in the sun.". More examples on the page.