Dictionary
tighten
verb tight·en \ˈtī-tən\
: to make (something) tight or tighter or to become tight or tighter
tight·enedtight·en·ing \ˈtīt-niŋ, ˈtī-tən-iŋ\
Full Definition of TIGHTEN
transitive verb
: to make tight or tighter
intransitive verb
: to become tight or tighter
— tight·en·er \ˈtīt-nər, ˈtī-tən-ər\ noun
— tighten one's belt
: to practice strict economy
See tighten defined for English-language learners
See tighten defined for kids
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First Known Use of TIGHTEN
circa 1727
TIGHTEN Defined for Kids
tighten
verb tight·en \ˈtī-tən\
tight·enedtight·en·ing
Definition of TIGHTEN for Kids
: to make or become tight <He tightened his grip.>
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