indurate

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adjective

in·du·rate ˈin-də-rət

-dyə-;

in-ˈdu̇r-ət,

-ˈdyu̇r-

Synonyms of indurate next

: physically or morally hardened

indurate

2 of 2

verb

in·du·rate ˈin-də-ˌrāt

-dyə-

indurated; indurating

transitive verb

: to make unfeeling, stubborn, or obdurate

: to make hardy : inure

: to make hard

great heat indurates clay

: to establish firmly : confirm

intransitive verb

: to grow hard : harden

: to become established

Did you know?

Indurate is a hard word—in more than one way. Not only is it fairly uncommon in modern usage, but it also can be traced back to Latin durare, meaning "to harden." Durare can mean "to endure" as well, and appropriately indurate is a word that has lasted many years—it has been a part of the English language since the 14th century. Durare is also the root of other durable English words, including during, endure, duration, durance, and even durable itself. In addition, indurate can be a verb meaning "to make or grow hard," "to make unfeeling, stubborn, or obdurate," and "to establish firmly."

Example Sentences

Adjective an indurate heart that admits no love or mercy Verb clay that had been indurated by long exposure to the summer sun such a brutal upbringing could only callous his soul and indurate his heart to the suffering of others

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

His characters strive to achieve things—such as love, self-command, or financial success—but those efforts are made ironic in the face of a world that, while sometimes beautiful to look at, remains indurate to human happiness. —

Scott Bradfield, The New Republic, 24 Jan. 2023

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