stiffen

stiff·en

verb \ˈsti-fən\

stiff·enedstiff·en·ing\ˈsti-fə-niŋ, ˈstif-niŋ\

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

Examples of STIFFEN

1. She stiffened when he grabbed her shoulder.
2. The dogs stiffened in alarm.
3. The law would stiffen penalties for tax evasion.

First Known Use of STIFFEN

15th century

Related to STIFFEN

Synonyms: harden, harshen, strengthen, toughen

Antonyms: ameliorate, ease

Near Antonyms: lessen, moderate, soften

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Rhymes with STIFFEN

griffin, tiffin