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

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

From Los Angeles Times

The biggest crime fight on the ballot is over Proposition 36, a measure that would stiffen penalties for some thefts and drug crimes and change parts of a controversial 2014 ballot measure that reduced several felonies to misdemeanors.

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

The legislation has been the focus of intense political debate all year, with Gov. Gavin Newsom and legislative leaders responding to the pressure created by a tough-on-crime ballot measure that would stiffen penalties for retail theft.

From Los Angeles Times

It also increases the formation of advanced glycation end products, which are molecules formed from sugars that can stiffen blood vessels and increase inflammation.

From Salon

Related Words

• reinforce
• solidify
• stabilize
• strengthen