tighten

American  

[tahyt-n] / ˈtaɪt n /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become tight or tighter.

   Synonyms:

   fasten, anchor, secure

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tighten British  

/ ˈtaɪtən /

verb

1. to make or become tight or tighter

2. to economize

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of tighten

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

Example Sentences

Lee and Takaichi have also agreed to boost economic cooperation - a pledge that comes as China has been tightening its export of rare earths and dual-use goods to Japan.

From BBC

In lending, that almost always reduces supply, tightens underwriting standards, and cuts down on options for borrowers, especially those with high risk profiles.

From Barron's

A cap—so the thinking goes—would cause lenders to tighten underwriting standards and reduce access to credit.

From Barron's

I looked at the scrawny mule and felt Flora’s rope tighten around my neck, too.

From Literature

The One Big Beautiful Bill also tightened state financing rules that many hospitals used to augment low Medicaid reimbursement with those changes phasing in over the coming years.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• narrow
• stiffen
• toughen