stiffen
[ stif-uhn ]
/ ˈstɪf ən /
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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.
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QUIZ YOURSELF ON "IS" VS. "ARE"
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IS and ARE are both forms of which verb?
OTHER WORDS FROM stiffen
o·ver·stiff·en, verbun·stiff·ened, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use stiffen in a sentence
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, nounCollins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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