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Showing results for stiffen. Search instead for erstzugriffen.
Definitions

stiffen

[stif-uhn] / ˈstɪf ən /
VERB
make or become harder
Synonyms
STRONGEST
reinforce solidify stabilize strengthen
STRONG
anneal benumb brace cake candy cement chill clot coagulate condense congeal crystallize curdle firm fix freeze gel harden inflate inspissate jell jelly ossify petrify precipitate prop set starch steady tauten tense thicken
Antonyms
STRONGEST
weaken
STRONG
dilute dissolve heat liquefy melt separate soften thin unfix
WEAK
loosen

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.

As these weaken and stiffen over time it can affect walking, talking, eating and breathing.

From BBC • Apr. 10, 2026

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

Calling the eradication of extortion “one of the great challenges” facing Mexico, Sheinbaum pledged to bolster enforcement, stiffen penalties and increase safeguards for anyone receiving threats.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

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

I could feel my face start to stiffen up.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds

Vocabulary lists containing stiffen

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