She stiffened when he grabbed her shoulder.
The dogs stiffened in alarm.
The law would stiffen penalties for tax evasion.
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The luxury retailer, weighed down by debt, is under pressure as consumers shift their shopping habits and competition stiffens.—Brian Womack, Dallas Morning News, 29 Jan. 2026 The Czech Republic’s new government will seek to transform the defense industry into an engine of the nation’s export economy as the flagship auto sector faces stiffening competition, a senior cabinet member said.—Michal Kubala, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026 Extra material had been sewn into the crotch to stiffen and add surface area that would help during takeoff.—Brian Melley, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026 These include stiffening of blood vessels, changes in heart muscle function and impaired ability of the cardiovascular system to respond to exertion.—Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiffen