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

These can cause hardening of the transplant organs and lead to complications.

From BBC

For adults especially, that increases their risk of heart attacks and strokes because it causes plaque-forming particles to build up in their arteries over time, hardening and narrowing them.

From The Wall Street Journal

With both sides hardening their positions and strikes continuing across the region, analysts warn the conflict could expand further unless diplomatic efforts emerge to de-escalate the fighting.

From Salon

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

Related Words

• crystallization