harden

¹

[ hahr-dn ]

verb (used with object)

1. to make hard or harder:

   to harden steel.

   Synonyms: ossify, petrify, indurate, solidify

   Antonyms: soften

2. to make pitiless or unfeeling:

   to harden one's heart.

3. to make rigid or unyielding; stiffen:

   The rigors of poverty hardened his personality.

4. to strengthen or confirm, especially with reference to character, intentions, feelings, etc.; reinforce.

   Synonyms: nerve, brace, steel, fortify

   Antonyms: weaken

5. to make hardy, robust, or capable of endurance; toughen.
6. Military. to reinforce the structure of (a military or strategic installation) to protect it from nuclear bombardment.

verb (used without object)

1. to become hard or harder.
2. to become pitiless or unfeeling.
3. to become rigid or unyielding; stiffen:

   His personality hardened over the years.

4. to become confirmed or strengthened:

   His resistance hardened.

5. to become inured or toughened:

   The troops hardened under constant fire.

6. Commerce. (of a market, prices, etc.)
   1. to cease to fluctuate; firm:

      When the speculators withdrew from the market, the prices hardened.

   2. to rise higher.

Harden

²

[ hahr-dn ]

noun

1. Sir Arthur, 1865–1940, English biochemist: Nobel Prize 1929.

harden

¹

/ ˈhɑːdən /

noun

1. a rough fabric made from hards

harden

²

/ ˈhɑːdən /

verb

1. to make or become hard or harder; freeze, stiffen, or set
2. to make or become more hardy, tough, or unfeeling
3. to make or become stronger or firmer

   they hardened defences

4. to make or become more resolute or set

   hardened in his resolve

5. intr commerce
   1. (of prices, a market, etc) to cease to fluctuate
   2. (of price) to rise higher

Other Words From

• harden·a·ble adjective
• harden·a·bili·ty noun
• over·harden verb
• pre·harden verb (used with object)
• re·harden verb
• un·harden verb (used with object)
• un·harden·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of harden¹

Middle English word dating back to 1150–1200; hard, -en ¹

Example Sentences

Despite blowing a 14-point lead, the Clippers put Lue’s words into action and overcame James Harden and Norman Powell missing key free throws down the stretch in a 105-103 victory at the Intuit Dome that extended their winning streak to four games.

From Los Angeles Times

Harden had 24 points but missed a free throw with 28.7 seconds left, forcing the Clippers to cling to a two-point lead.

From Los Angeles Times

Ivica Zubac grabbed the rebound and passed the ball to Harden, who threw the ball the length of the court as time expired.

From Los Angeles Times

The trio stole the show, with Harden rushing for 125 yards in 20 carries, Jones contributing 38 and Berger adding 30 yards.

From Los Angeles Times

Demonizing them will only harden their views.

From Los Angeles Times