stiffen

[ stif-uhn ]
/ ˈstɪf ən /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR stiffen ON THESAURUS.COM

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.

QUIZZES

IS YOUR VOCABULARY AS STRONG AS A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT? TRY THIS QUIZ TO SEE!

It may seem like fun and games but this quiz that uses vocab from popular stories will determine how much you know.
Question 1 of 10
disgruntle
to deprive of ability, qualification, or strength
to put into a state of sulky dissatisfaction
to make repayment or return for (service, benefits, etc.)
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of stiffen

First recorded in 1490–1500; stiff + -en1

OTHER WORDS FROM stiffen

o·ver·stiff·en, verbun·stiff·ened, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Words related to stiffen

strengthen, reinforce, solidify, stabilize, thicken, set, freeze, clot, prop, petrify, jell, inspissate, fix, condense, ossify, tauten, congeal, precipitate, inflate, anneal

Example sentences 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 forms of stiffen

stiffener, noun
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