harden

hard·en | \ ˈhär-dᵊn

How to pronounce harden (audio)

\

hardened; hardening\ ˈhärd-niŋ

How to pronounce harden (audio)

, ˈhär-dᵊn-iŋ \

Definition of harden

(Entry 1 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to make hard or harder

2 : to confirm in disposition, feelings, or action especially : to make callous hardened his heart

3a : inure, toughen harden troops

b : to inure to unfavorable environmental conditions (such as cold) —often used with offharden off seedlings before transplanting

4 : to protect from blast, heat, or radiation (as by a thick barrier or placement underground)

intransitive verb

1 : to become hard or harder

2a : to become firm, stable, or settled

b : to assume an appearance of harshness or severity her face hardened at the thought

3 : to become gradually acclimatized to unfavorable conditions —often used with offplants hardened off before the first frost

Harden

biographical name (1)

Har·den | \ ˈhär-dᵊn

How to pronounce Harden (audio)

\

Definition of Harden (Entry 2 of 3)

Sir Arthur 1865–1940 English chemist

Harden

biographical name (2)

Definition of Harden (Entry 3 of 3)

Maximilian 1861–1927 originally Felix Ernst Witkowski German writer

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about harden

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Examples of harden in a Sentence

Verb The presence of certain substances in the blood can cause the arteries to harden. These additives are designed to harden the steel. substances that can harden the arteries The news has hardened opposition to the government. He had been hardened by his years of military service.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb In leaf-cutter ants, this coating is made of thousands of tiny, plate-like crystals that harden their exoskeleton. — National Geographic, "Leaf-cutter ants have rocky crystal armor, never before seen in insects," 25 Nov. 2020 Wax can harden the finish and lessen the look of scratches. — Washington Post, "Hints From Heloise: Dogs may learn gross habit from their moms," 21 Nov. 2020 The second thing is there clearly has been a fair amount done in trying to harden our systems from any kind of outside impact. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA TODAY, "Elections expert Q&A: No evidence of fraud and fail-safes everywhere in US voting system," 8 Nov. 2020 The squash is hard because it is fully ripened on the vine instead of being picked before the seeds and rinds begin to harden. — Tribune News Service, cleveland, "Ways to enjoy the winter squashes of autumn," 3 Nov. 2020 This will drive off the turpentine and volatile oils, allowing the pitch to harden at cooler temperatures. — Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, "How to Process and Use Animal Sinew," 12 Oct. 2020 Workers stood nearby as Schaaf looked through yellow goggles at the UV lights that harden the material for the panels. — Sarah Ravani, SFChronicle.com, "Oakland factory 3-D prints small units to deliver faster, cheaper housing," 7 Nov. 2020 Constantly fact-checking conspiracy theories can harden the other side’s views or make people feel attacked. — Charlie Warzel New York Times, Star Tribune, "How to talk to friends and family who share conspiracy theories," 26 Oct. 2020 Another danger is that Trump’s laissez-faire approach to the pandemic in recent months will only harden, even as a third wave of infections surges across the country. — Matt Ford, The New Republic, "Trump Has Never Been More Dangerous Than He Is Now," 7 Nov. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'harden.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near harden

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Last Updated

6 Dec 2020

Cite this Entry

“Harden.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/harden. Accessed 22 Jan. 2021.

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More Definitions for harden

harden

verb

English Language Learners Definition of harden

: to become hard or firm or to make (something) hard or firm

: to become more definite and strongly felt or to make (something) more definite and strongly felt

: to make (someone) hard : to make (someone) less emotional and less likely to feel sorry for other people

See the full definition for harden in the English Language Learners Dictionary

harden

hard·en | \ ˈhär-dᵊn

\

hardened; hardening

Kids Definition of harden

1 : to make or become hard or harder By now the cement has hardened.

2 : to make or become hardy or strong Years of tough work had hardened his muscles.

3 : to make or become stubborn or unfeeling She hardened her heart and refused to forgive him.

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