hardening

[hahr-dn-ing]

noun

1. a material that hardens another, as an alloy added to iron to make steel.

2. the process of becoming hard or rigid.

hardening

/ ˈhɑːdənɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of becoming or making hard

2. a substance added to another substance or material to make it harder

Word History and Origins

Origin of hardening¹

First recorded in 1620–30; harden + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Ukraine is also a candidate to join the EU, but is facing hardening opposition from Hungary and tensions along their shared border, after Kyiv accused Budapest of sending reconnaissance drones into western Ukraine.

From BBC

The Center for Biological Diversity and others advocate for a “hands-off” approach to California’s forests and urge management of the wildfire crisis through home hardening and evacuation planning alone.

From Los Angeles Times

They’re dismissing those who attend as deluded cultists, hardening hearts on each side even more.

From Los Angeles Times

They recommended several measures, including legislatures working to “prevent emergency powers from hardening into permanent authority.”

From Salon

The fresh attack came as Russian President Vladimir Putin has been hardening his warning on the West not to aid Ukraine.

From BBC

Related Words

• crystallization