hardening Definition
- 1the process of becoming or making something hard or harder
- 2the process of becoming more severe or rigid
Using hardening: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hardening" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The hardening of the cement took several hours.
Example
The government's hardening stance on immigration has caused controversy.
Example
The hardening of his heart towards his family was evident in his actions.
Example
The hardening of her resolve to finish the project was admirable.
hardening Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for hardening
Antonyms for hardening
- weakening
- softening
Idioms Using hardening
Example
She had to harden her heart to the pleas of her ex-boyfriend and move on with her life.
Example
After failing the exam twice, he hardened his resolve to study harder and pass it on the third try.
to gradually acclimate a plant to outdoor conditions by exposing it to sunlight and cooler temperatures
Example
Before planting the seedlings outside, they needed to be hardened off first to prevent shock.
Phrases with hardening
a condition where the arteries become less flexible and hardened due to the buildup of plaque
Example
Arterial hardening can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease and stroke.
a condition where the skin becomes thicker and tougher, often due to repeated exposure to friction or pressure
Example
Guitar players often develop a hardening of the skin on their fingertips from playing for long periods of time.
emotional hardening
a psychological condition where a person becomes less sensitive or responsive to emotions, often due to past trauma or stress
Example
Years of abuse had led to emotional hardening, making it difficult for her to trust others.
Summary: hardening in Brief
The term 'hardening' [ˈhɑːdənɪŋ] refers to the process of becoming or making something hard or harder, as well as becoming more severe or rigid. It spans contexts from physical materials like cement to psychological states like emotional hardening. 'Hardening' extends into phrases like 'arterial hardening,' and idioms like 'harden one's heart,' denoting a loss of compassion, and 'harden one's resolve,' implying increased determination.