stiffen

[ˈstɪfən]

stiffen Definition

• 1. to become firm, rigid, or inflexible
• 2. to make something firm, rigid, or inflexible

Using stiffen: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "stiffen" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The cold weather made his fingers stiffen.

• Example

  She stiffened her spine and refused to back down.

• Example

  The addition of more flour will stiffen the dough.

stiffen Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for stiffen

• harden
• solidify
• strengthen

Antonyms for stiffen

• soften
• relax
• loosen

Phrases with stiffen

• stiffen one's resolve

  to become more determined or resolute in one's actions or decisions

  Example

  After hearing the criticism, she stiffened her resolve to prove them wrong.

• stiffen up

  to become tense or rigid, often due to fear or anxiety

  Example

  The dog stiffened up when he heard the loud noise.

• stiffen the penalty

  to make a punishment or consequence more severe

  Example

  The government is considering stiffening the penalties for tax evasion.

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Summary: stiffen in Brief

The verb 'stiffen' [ˈstɪfən] means to become firm, rigid, or inflexible, or to make something firm, rigid, or inflexible. It can refer to physical or emotional states, such as 'The cold weather made his fingers stiffen' or 'She stiffened her spine and refused to back down.' The phrase 'stiffen one's resolve' means to become more determined, while 'stiffen up' refers to becoming tense or rigid due to fear or anxiety. 'Stiffen the penalty' means to make a punishment more severe.