stiffen

verb
UK: /ˈstɪfən/
US: /ˈstɪfən/

  1. To become firm or hard.

    1. The glue will stiffen as it dries, so work quickly.
    2. The cold weather will stiffen the ground, making it hard to dig.

  2. To make something firm or hard.

    1. Add flour to stiffen the sauce a little.
    2. The sculptor used wire to stiffen the clay before firing it.

  3. To become difficult to bend or move.

    1. My joints stiffen in cold weather, making it hard to walk.
    2. His muscles stiffen after a long workout, causing some discomfort.

  4. To become more formal or less friendly.

    1. The atmosphere in the room stiffened when the argument began.
    2. Relations between the two countries stiffened after the trade dispute.

Synonyms

harden firm up set solidify brace steel
stiffen intransitive-verb

  1. To become stronger in determination.

    1. He has to stiffen his resolve and face the challenge.
    2. They stiffen their resistance to the new policies imposed by the government.
stiffen transitive-verb

  1. To make someone or something more determined or resistant.

    1. The defeat served to stiffen their resolve to win next time.
    2. Public support stiffen the government's position during negotiations.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "stiffen" in English means: To become firm or hard., To make something firm or hard., To become difficult to bend or move., To become more formal or less friendly..

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

Synonyms for "stiffen": harden, firm up, set, solidify, brace, steel.

Example usage of "stiffen": "The glue will stiffen as it dries, so work quickly.". More examples on the page.