stiffen
[ stif-uh n ]
/ ˈstɪf ən /
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.
Nearby words
stiff as a board, stiff upper lip, stiff-arm, stiff-man syndrome, stiff-necked, stiffen, stiffener, stiffly, stiffy, stifle, stifling
Related formso·ver·stiff·en, verbun·stiff·ened, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for stiffen
British Dictionary definitions for stiffen
stiffen
/ (ˈstɪfən) /
verb
to make or become stiff or stiffer
(intr) to become suddenly tense or unyielding
Derived Formsstiffener, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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