stiffen
verb (used with object)
to make stiff.
had stiffened
-
past perfectof stiffen.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
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.
New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker argued the District had stiffened the penalties for attempted murder, sexual assault and assault on a police officer in the rewritten code.
From Washington Times ● Mar. 8, 2023
Crucially, the Buccaneers had two timeouts left, which would give Brady plenty of time against a defense that had stiffened in the red zone but allowed the Bucs to move the ball all second half.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 4, 2021
So, after the war had stiffened in the North, the British decided to hit what they called the "soft underbelly" in the South.
From Salon ● Jul. 12, 2021
Barack Obama looked strangely self-conscious; Michelle wore a permanent grimace, Bill and Hillary had stiffened.
From The Guardian ● Dec. 5, 2018
He had not felt bad but now the shoulder had stiffened.
From "A Farewell To Arms" by Ernest Hemingway
