stiffen

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.

She has also vowed to stiffen prison sentences and to impose a state of emergency in areas worst hit by crime.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

In people with Alzheimer's, Aβ accumulates and causes arteries to stiffen, slowing the flow of fluids between brain tissue and cerebrospinal fluid.

From Science Daily • Nov. 11, 2025

This leads them to weaken and stiffen over time and usually affects how you walk, talk, eat and breathe.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

Redick looked as if he might stiffen under the postseason spotlight, the rookie coach uncharacteristically a man of few words and no smiles in his pregame news conference.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 20, 2025

The striped canvas sides of the tent stiffen, the soft surface hardening as the fabric changes to paper.

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern