roughen

[ ruhf-uhn ]

See synonyms for roughen on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become rough or rougher.

Origin of roughen

First recorded in 1580–90; rough + -en¹

Other words from roughen

rough·en·er, noun
un·rough·ened, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use roughen in a sentence

It roughens the smooth round particles of sandy soils, and prevents their compacting, as they are often liable to do.
The Elements of Agriculture | George E. Waring
In so doing, it roughens the surfaces of the particles of sand, and renders the soil less liable to be compacted by rains.
The Elements of Agriculture | George E. Waring
This causes very hard pulling, and soon roughens the running surface of the sled.
Ethnology of the Ungava District, Hudson Bay Territory | Lucien Turner
Sometimes he slightly roughens the surface of the material, to give better foothold to pedestrians.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 530, February 27, 1886 | Various
Blame roughens the edge of service more often than it sharpens.
The Mercenary | W. J. Eccott

British Dictionary definitions for roughen

roughen

/ (ˈrʌfən) /

verb

to make or become rough

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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