stiffen

[stif-uhn]

verb (used with object)

1. to make stiff.

verb (used without object)

1. to become stiff.

2. 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.

stiffen

/ ˈstɪfən /

verb

1. to make or become stiff or stiffer

2. (intr) to become suddenly tense or unyielding

Other Word Forms

• overstiffen verb
• unstiffened adjective
• stiffener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stiffen¹

First recorded in 1490–1500; stiff + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Dad stiffens and freezes in the hug—probably counting down the seconds until it’s over.

Read more on Literature

Then she held out her arms and stiffened her fingers, just like the claws in the picture.

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After the Trojans defense stiffened, the offense went back on a roll, using another leaping grab by Lemon — this one for 35 yards — to set up a 12-yard TD pass between three defenders to Lemon.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In people with Alzheimer's, Aβ accumulates and causes arteries to stiffen, slowing the flow of fluids between brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid.

Read more on Science Daily

"They keep me fit and keep me moving, stop me stiffening up - I'm very determined, I won't give up," she says.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• reinforce 
• solidify 
• stabilize 
• strengthen