harden
verb (used with object)
to make hard or harder.
has hardened
-
present perfectof harden (3rd person singular).present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the present.
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.
City life has hardened her daughters and granddaughters in all the wrong ways and made them too soft in others.
From Salon ● Mar. 23, 2026
Even so, Alam admits public sentiment has hardened sharply.
From BBC ● Feb. 8, 2026
Beijing is acting now to break a cycle that has hardened over a decade.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 20, 2025
He has hardened their hearts and closed their minds, which means reason alone will not win this struggle.
From Slate ● Sep. 23, 2024
Misfortune has hardened her, which is just as well, she will take many a knock yet.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
