tighten

American

[tahyt-n] / ˈtaɪt n /

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become tight or tighter.

Synonyms:

fasten, anchor, secure

tighten British

/ ˈtaɪtən /

verb

to make or become tight or tighter
to economize

"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

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Given the fragile economic outlook, some economists warn that rushing to tighten monetary policy might be unwise.

From The Wall Street Journal

At the same time, supply of fertilizer has tightened due to export restrictions from key producers and logistical challenges in the Middle East.

From Barron's

Japan’s job market tightened in February, separate figures showed on Tuesday, with the unemployment rate shrinking to 2.6% from 2.7% in the previous month.

From The Wall Street Journal

“We see credit tightening as optimistic GDP expectations fade.”

From Barron's

Sri Lanka has declared weekly public holidays to curb fuel use, shuttering schools and offices one day each week while tightening rationing.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023