hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ 

ˈhär-dᵊn-iŋ

: sclerosis sense 1

hardening of the arteries

Examples of hardening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This year’s line-hardening—by my count, some twenty-three per cent of cases—is both remarkable and troubling. — Ruth Marcus, New Yorker, 30 June 2026

His response to the Palisades and Eaton fires is to expand brush clearance efforts and home hardening. — Steve Scauzillo, Daily News, 27 May 2026

Yet our legislature killed funding for home hardening, the one approach backed by consensus science for protecting structures. — Dp Opinion, Denver Post, 22 May 2026

While many residents remain cautious, Mike said wildfire survivors in the area have become especially focused on defensible space and home hardening. — Da Lin, CBS News, 16 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hardening

• gardening
• pardoning

Kids Definition

hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing

: sclerosis

hardening of the arteries

Medical Definition

hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ, -ᵊn-iŋ 

: sclerosis sense 1

hardening of the arteries