hardening

American  

[hahr-dn-ing] / ˈhɑr dn ɪŋ /

noun

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

2. the process of becoming hard or rigid.

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hardening British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of hardening

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

Example Sentences

For the architect, who has spent much of his 45-year career designing for luxury, hardening a home against wildfire has brought a new kind of luxury to his homes: peace of mind.

From Los Angeles Times

Satellite imagery suggests that Iran has been hardening entrances to its nuclear sites in case of attack.

From The Wall Street Journal

The RSF set up a parallel government last year, hardening the de facto division of the country.

From BBC

Pérez’s bill would establish home hardening and defensible space measures set by the insurance commissioner, though Balber said she expects the Safer from Wildfires program would “inform” the new standards.

From Los Angeles Times

As migrant numbers grow, public attitudes appear to be hardening.

From Barron's

Related Words

• crystallization