harden Definition
- 1to become or make something firm, stiff, or solid
- 2to become or make someone more determined or less sensitive to something
Using harden: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "harden" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The cement will harden in a few hours.
Example
He hardened his heart against her pleas.
Example
The experience hardened her resolve to never give up.
Example
The coach's training regimen is designed to harden the players' bodies.
harden Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with harden
Example
The politician hardened his stance on immigration after the terrorist attack.
to gradually acclimate a plant to outdoor conditions by exposing it to increasing amounts of sunlight and wind
Example
Before planting the seedlings in the garden, they need to be hardened off for a week or two.
Example
After being betrayed by her friend, she hardened her heart and refused to forgive her.
Summary: harden in Brief
The verb 'harden' [ˈhɑːrdn] means to make something firm, stiff, or solid, or to make someone more determined or less sensitive to something. It can refer to physical objects like cement or plants, or to emotional states like resolve or compassion. Examples include 'The cement will harden in a few hours,' and 'The experience hardened her resolve to never give up.' Phrases include 'harden one's stance,' meaning to become more rigid in one's position, and 'harden off,' meaning to acclimate a plant to outdoor conditions.