hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ 

ˈhär-dᵊn-iŋ

: sclerosis sense 1

hardening of the arteries

Examples of hardening in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At the individual-home scale, home hardening and creating defensible space around homes can reduce the probability of a fire reaching the home. — John Abatzoglou, The Conversation, 3 Aug. 2026

Local fire experts will speak about home hardening, wildfire prevention and evdisasacuation planning, followed by a live Q&A and resource tables. — Debby Rice, Mercury News, 28 July 2026

The physical defensive measures consist primarily of a large security perimeter and the extensive hardening of tunnel entrances, ISIS said in a July 14 report. — Catherine Cartier, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Graham died Saturday at the age of 71 of what was preliminarily diagnosed as a rupture of his aorta due to a hardening of his arteries, his office said. — Elizabeth Robinson, NBC news, 14 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hardening

• gardening
• pardoning

Kids Definition

hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing

: sclerosis

hardening of the arteries

Medical Definition

hardening

noun

hard·​en·​ing ˈhärd-niŋ, -ᵊn-iŋ 

: sclerosis sense 1

hardening of the arteries