stiffen

verb

stiff·​en ˈsti-fən How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
stiffened; stiffening ˈsti-fə-niŋ How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
ˈstif-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to become stiff or stiffer
stiffener
ˈsti-fə-nər How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
ˈstif-nər
noun

Examples of stiffen in a Sentence

She stiffened when he grabbed her shoulder. The dogs stiffened in alarm. The law would stiffen penalties for tax evasion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
China has been a consistent source of stress for Apple, given the stiffening smartphone competition and its huge manufacturing presence in the country. Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025 Broncos defense stiffens with good pressure on Jones. Joe Nguyen, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025 Despite herself, Cali stiffened. Bryan Washington, New Yorker, 7 Sep. 2025 But most recently it has been hit from several sides, most notably stiffening competition primarily from Amazon, off-pricers and membership clubs as well as Walmart and Target. David Moin, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stiffen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiffen was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiffen. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

stiffen

verb
stiff·​en ˈstif-ən How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
stiffened; stiffening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
: to make or become stiff or stiffer
stiffener noun

More from Merriam-Webster on stiffen

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