stiffen

[ stif-uhn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make stiff.

verb (used without object)

1. to become stiff.
2. to become suddenly tense, rigid, or taut, as in bracing oneself for or drawing back from shock, fear, or displeasure:

   He stiffened, expecting to hear the worst.

stiffen

/ ˈstɪfən /

verb

1. to make or become stiff or stiffer
2. intr to become suddenly tense or unyielding

Derived Forms

• ˈstiffener, noun

Other Words From

• over·stiffen verb
• un·stiffened adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stiffen¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; stiff + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Certainly, the competition level stiffened recently with Indiana and Ohio State handing the Cornhuskers losses in their two most recent games.

From Los Angeles Times

Opponents argue that by stiffening penalties we’ll refill our prisons after having dramatically reduced their populations to meet a federal court order.

From Los Angeles Times

He said his parents also told him their child had been unwell the night before he was brought to hospital and had been displaying abnormal movements including shaking and stiffening of his limbs.

From BBC

Both District 37 candidates support the new measure, which would stiffen penalties for certain thefts and fentanyl crimes.

From Los Angeles Times

Atherosclerosis is the build-up of plaque in and on the artery walls that can stiffen arteries and cause them to narrow, limiting blood flow to organs and tissues, according to the Mayo Clinic.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• reinforce
• solidify
• stabilize
• strengthen