This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
stiffen
[ stif-uhn ]
/ ËstÉȘf Én /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object)
to make stiff.
verb (used without object)
to become stiff.
to become suddenly tense, rigid, or taut, as in bracing oneself for or drawing back from shock, fear, or displeasure: He stiffened, expecting to hear the worst.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known asâŠ
OTHER WORDS FROM stiffen
o·ver·stiff·en, verbun·stiff·ened, adjectiveWords nearby stiffen
Stiegel, Stieglitz, stiff, stiff-arm, stiff as a board, stiffen, stiffener, stiff-necked, stiffness, stiff upper lip, stiffy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use stiffen in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for stiffen
stiffen
/ (ËstÉȘfÉn) /
verb
to make or become stiff or stiffer
(intr) to become suddenly tense or unyielding
Derived forms of stiffen
stiffener, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012