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

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who represents the central San Fernando Valley, said Tuesday that the city is “hardening our defenses” in the face of Trump’s election.

From Los Angeles Times

She fears for her son's future in a polarised society where the lines of division seem to be hardening.

From BBC

“It’s neither” pure chance which homes burn nor completely determined by which home hardening measures were taken, she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Soon thereafter Vi is abandoned by yet another trusted loved one, while Caitlyn is rewarded for her hardened attitude against Zaun with raucous applause and a promotion.

From Salon

The balls had a firm surface - hardened partially by accumulating sand and minerals like calcium - and a soft core.

From BBC