thicken

thick·en

verb \ˈthi-kən\

thick·enedthick·en·ing \ˈthik-niŋ, ˈthi-kə-\

Definition of THICKEN

intransitive verb

1

a : to become dense <the mist thickened>

b : to become concentrated in numbers, mass, or frequency

2

: to grow blurred or obscure

3

: to grow broader or bulkier

4

: to grow complicated or keen <the plot thickens>

transitive verb

1

a : to make thick, dense, or viscous in consistency <thicken gravy with flour>

b : to make close or compact

2

: to increase the depth or diameter of

3

: to make inarticulate : blur <alcohol thickened his speech>

— thick·en·er \ˈthik-nər, ˈthi-kə-\ noun

Examples of THICKEN

1. I thickened the gravy with flour.
2. When the mixture thickens, add the remaining ingredients.
3. The fog thickened when night fell.

First Known Use of THICKEN

14th century

Rhymes with THICKEN

chicken, quicken, sicken, stricken