rigidify

[ ri-jid-uh-fahy ]

verb (used with or without object)

, ri·gid·i·fied, ri·gid·i·fy·ing.

1. to make or become rigid.

rigidify

/ rɪˈdʒɪdɪˌfaɪ /

verb

1. to make or become rigid

Word History and Origins

Origin of rigidify¹

First recorded in 1835–45; rigid + -ify

Related Words

• install
• secure
• set
• settle
• stabilize

More About Rigidify

What does rigidify mean?

Rigidify means to become rigid—stiff and inflexible. It can also mean to make something rigid.

Rigid can be used in both literal and figurative ways. For example, a material like plastic might be described as rigid if it does not bend or bend easily. A person might be described as rigid if they are very strict and unwilling to bend the rules. Rules themselves can also be described as rigid if they are very strict or rigorous.

Rigidify is most commonly used in a literal sense in a scientific context. A synonym for this sense of the word is rigidize. But rigidify can also be used in a figurative way in reference to people. A person or their personality could be said to rigidify—meaning that they become more inflexible, such as when dealing with new situations.

When it’s used in the context of a person or their personality, rigidify is almost always used negatively, as in Try not to rigidify when faced with new experiences—you have to learn to go with the flow sometimes.

Example: A synthetic chemical is used to rigidify the material during the manufacturing process so that the end product is very inflexible.

Where does rigidify come from?

The first records of the word rigidify come from around 1840. Its base word, rigid, comes from the Latin rigidus, from the verb rig(ēre), meaning “to be stiff” or “to stiffen.” The word rigor and rigorous are based on the same root, as is the first part of the medical term rigor mortis, which refers to the state of the body when it becomes rigid after death. The suffix -ify is used in verbs and means “to make,” “cause to be,” or “become.”

To rigidify is to cause to be or become rigid. Close synonyms of rigid are inflexible, unbending, and stiff—all of which, like rigid, can also be used in both literal and figurative ways. The opposite of rigidify is to become flexible or loosen up.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to rigidify?

• rigid (adjective)

What are some synonyms for rigidify?

• rigidize
• stiffen

What are some words that share a root or word element with rigidify? 

• rigidity
• rigor

 

What are some words that often get used in discussing rigidify?

• inflexible
• unbending
• stiff
• firm
• strict
• rigorous
• material
• structure
• personality
• unyielding
• motion
• rule
• regulation

How is rigidify used in real life?

Rigidify is not very commonly used. A much more common word that means the same thing is stiffen, which can also be used in both literal and figurative ways.

Glad to have been able to contribute to the newest work out of the Curnow lab, showing that natural small residue packing motifs can be used to rigidify designed membrane proteins! https://t.co/3UG2qCpFZK

— Ben Hardy (@benhardybristol) September 21, 2020

Have a look at our latest paper on ChemComm. Amorphous polymer – MOF composite. In situ melt MOF can heal defects also rigidify polymer chains! Thanks to co-authors ⁦@ThomasDBennett⁩ ⁦@ShichunLi⁩ and more! ⁦@ChemCommun⁩ https://t.co/udmHZ3slVT

— Jingwei Hou (@Jingwei_Hou) March 9, 2020

"People who specialize in one thing succeed early, but then they slide back to mediocrity as their minds rigidify." https://t.co/4ZeMwsfdt1

— Hannah Elliott (@HannahElliott) July 30, 2019

 

 

Try using rigidify!

True or False? 

Rigidify can mean to cause to be stiff or to become stiff.