hardening

[ˈhɑːdənɪŋ]

hardening Definition

• 1. the process of becoming or making something hard or harder
• 2. the 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

• strengthening
• solidifying
• toughening
• fortifying

Antonyms for hardening

• weakening
• softening

Idioms Using hardening

• harden one's heart

  to become less sympathetic or compassionate towards someone or something

  Example

  She had to harden her heart to the pleas of her ex-boyfriend and move on with her life.

• harden one's resolve

  to become more determined or resolute in achieving a goal

  Example

  After failing the exam twice, he hardened his resolve to study harder and pass it on the third try.

• harden off

  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

• arterial 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.

• hardening of the skin

  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.

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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.