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

Instead of hardening a resin already mixed with metal compounds, the researchers first 3D print a framework using a simple water-based gel known as a hydrogel.

Read more on Science Daily

Analysts say the policy can be erratic—the administration one day floating talks with Venezuela, a few later hardening its approach.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• crystallization