Dictionary
stiffen
verb stiff·en \ˈsti-fən\
: to stop moving and become completely still especially because of fear, anger, etc.
: to become painful to move or use
: to become more severe or strong or to make (something) more severe or strong
stiff·enedstiff·en·ing \ˈsti-fə-niŋ, ˈstif-niŋ\
Full Definition of STIFFEN
transitive verb
: to make stiff or stiffer
intransitive verb
: to become stiff or stiffer
— stiff·en·er \ˈsti-fə-nər, ˈstif-nər\ noun
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First Known Use of STIFFEN
15th century
Related to STIFFEN
- Synonyms
- harden, harshen, strengthen, toughen
- Antonyms
- ameliorate, ease
STIFFENING Defined for Kids
stiffen
verb stiff·en \ˈsti-fən\
stiff·enedstiff·en·ing
Definition of STIFFEN for Kids
1
: to make or become stiff or stiffer <The paper stiffened as it dried.>
2
: to become tense and still <He stiffened with suspicion.>
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