tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtī-tᵊn 

tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ 

ˈtī-tᵊn-iŋ

transitive verb

: to make tight or tighter

intransitive verb

: to become tight or tighter

tightener

ˈtīt-nər

ˈtī-tᵊn-ər 

noun

Phrases

tighten one's belt

: to practice strict economy

Synonyms

• strain
• stretch
• tauten
• tense

Examples of tighten in a Sentence

She tightened her hold on the handle.

tighten the straps on the backpack so that the load doesn't shift while hiking

Recent Examples on the Web

All bets could be off if Ishiba is tightening fiscal policy. —William Pesek, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

For instance, the firm suggests that tightening food delivery windows could be a key factor in winning over online shoppers who have come to expect rapid service from e-commerce leaders. —Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 30 Sep. 2024

But there are some signs the Senate race could be tightening — Republican internal polling shows the candidates are statistically tied, according to a source familiar with the matter. —Justin Green, Axios, 29 Sep. 2024

Still, there are formulations with plumping and tightening ingredients to reduce the appearance of fine lines and sagging skin. —Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 28 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Phrases Containing tighten

• tighten/put the thumbscrews on
• tighten the noose
• tighten the purse strings
• tighten the screws
• tighten up

Kids Definition

tighten

verb

tight·​en ˈtīt-ᵊn 

tightened; tightening ˈtīt-niŋ 

-ᵊn-iŋ

: to make or become tight or tighter

tightener

-nər 

-ᵊn-ər

noun