tighten

[tahyt-n]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become tight or tighter.

   Synonyms: fasten, anchor, secure

tighten

/ ˈtaɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become tight or tighter

2. to economize

Other Word Forms

• tightener noun
• overtighten verb
• retighten verb
• self-tightening adjective
• untighten verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of tighten¹

First recorded in 1720–30; tight + -en ¹

Example Sentences

"The scope and the scale is just unimaginable, and it cannot be implemented," Greer said on Wednesday of China's tightened export controls.

Read more on BBC

“And while the long-term impact may be limited, a sudden tightening could trigger near-term market instability,” she added.

Read more on Barron's

Across other assets, the dollar fell, gold hit yet another record and French bond yield spreads tightened amid renewed optimism for a budget deal there.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The uncertainty this has fanned has made the country's army of shoppers tighten their wallets.

Read more on Barron's

Countries such as Portugal and Greece have tightened their requirements for investment visas—also known as Golden Visas—while Spain and Ireland have eliminated them entirely.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• narrow 
• stiffen 
• toughen