- present participle of harden.
hardening
Americannoun
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a material that hardens another, as an alloy added to iron to make steel.
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the process of becoming hard or rigid.
noun
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the act or process of becoming or making hard
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a substance added to another substance or material to make it harder
Etymology
Origin of hardening
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But the hardening fist of forced conscription also reveals the junta's empty hand, and its desperation for manpower.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
She is almost painfully careful not to ascribe blame to the growing presence in Germany of Muslim immigrants, among whom there has been a hardening of anti-Zionist public pronouncements since Oct.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 18, 2026
His remarks came after Washington and Tehran had issued demands for compensation over the five-month war, hardening their positions.
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
Even though home hardening efforts can help protect structures, some of California’s building practices are hurting those efforts.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2026
I felt something leaden take hold in my stomach just then, my anxiety hardening into dread.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
