tighten

[tahyt-n]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become tight or tighter.

   Synonyms: fasten, anchor, secure

tighten

/ ˈtaɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become tight or tighter

2. to economize

Other Word Forms

• tightener noun
• overtighten verb
• retighten verb
• self-tightening adjective
• untighten verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tighten¹

First recorded in 1720–30; tight + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Her parole was essentially grandfathered by federal rules that have since been tightened.

From Los Angeles Times

The Bank began its quantitative tightening programme in 2022, unwinding the emergency support it brought in after the 2008 financial crisis.

From BBC

Since the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, triggering the war in Gaza, Israel has significantly tightened its control over the West Bank.

From BBC

Anthony Albanese's government tackled the immigration issue - in which they had felt vulnerable - soon after taking power and tightened rules on student and temporary visas.

From BBC

After the government abandoned plans to tighten eligibility for Pips, it set up a review of the payments by disability minister Sir Stephen Timms.

From BBC

Related Words

• narrow 
• stiffen 
• toughen