stiffen
Americanverb (used with object)
verb (used without object)
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to become stiff.
-
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.
verb
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to make or become stiff or stiffer
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(intr) to become suddenly tense or unyielding
Other Word Forms
- overstiffen verb
- stiffener noun
- unstiffened adjective
Etymology
Origin of stiffen
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s hard to imagine a greater accomplishment than to achieve peace while stiffening the sinews of deterrence.
Because microtubules can influence how stiff the cytoplasm is, the researchers asked whether asters might help anchor the actin band by stiffening the cell interior.
From Science Daily
Opal clenched her jaw and stiffened, clearly trying to fight her father’s command.
From Literature
The barrels -- bound tightly with rope, their fabric skins stiffened and darkened with lacquer -- inevitably recall the Gulf's vast hydrocarbon wealth.
From Barron's
Dad has stiffened in his seat, his eyes scanning the road ahead.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
