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stiff

17 ENTRIES FOUND:

1stiff

adj \ˈstif\

Definition of STIFF

1
a : not easily bent : rigid <a stiff collar> b : lacking in suppleness or flexibility <stiff muscles> c : impeded in movement —used of a mechanism <a truck's stiff suspension> d : drunk 1a
2
a : firm, resolute b : stubborn, unyielding c : proud d (1) : marked by reserve or decorum (2) : lacking in ease or grace : stilted
3
: hard fought <stiff competition>
4
a (1) : exerting great force <a stiff wind> (2) : forceful, vigorous b : potent <poured her a stiff drink>
5
: of a dense or glutinous consistency : thick
6
a : harsh, severe <a stiff penalty> b : arduous, rugged <stiff terrain>
7
: not easily heeled over by an external force (as the wind) <a stiff ship>
8
: expensive, steep <paid a stiff price>
stiff·ish \ˈsti-fish\ adjective
stiff·ly adverb
stiff·ness noun

Examples of STIFF

  1. When I got out of bed this morning my back was stiff as a board.
  2. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff.

Origin of STIFF

Middle English stif, from Old English stīf; akin to Middle Dutch stijf stiff, Latin stipare to press together, Greek steibein to tread on
First Known Use: before 12th century

Synonym Discussion of STIFF

stiff, rigid, inflexible mean difficult to bend. stiff may apply to any degree of this condition <stretching keeps your muscles from becoming stiff>. rigid applies to something so stiff that it cannot be bent without breaking <a rigid surfboard>. inflexible stresses lack of suppleness or pliability <ski boots with inflexible soles>.

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