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.
Opie Way is one of many small bright lights in the American luxury landscape, and James’s deep commitment to producing the exceptional is the mark of a true artisan—and the stuff that stiffens the spine of the entire industry. Josh Condon, Robb Report, 8 Dec. 2024 California voters this election overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime measure that stiffened penalties for some drug and theft crimes. Calmatters, The Mercury News, 26 Nov. 2024 In addition to criminalizing crossings and allowing local police to arrest migrants, the ballot measure also requires the verification of immigration status to access public benefits and stiffens penalties for smuggling fentanyl that results in another person’s death. Rafael Carranza, The Arizona Republic, 10 Nov. 2024 High-Cholesterol Foods Foods high in cholesterol can negatively affect blood pressure, contributing to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup that narrows and stiffens the arteries). Lindsey Desoto, Health, 8 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stiffen

Cite this Entry

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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