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.

Dad has stiffened in his seat, his eyes scanning the road ahead.

From Literature

Rowan felt Marlie stiffen and saw her cheek begin to burn red.

From Literature

Johnson’s move appears to have stiffened investors’ spines.

From Barron's

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

From Barron's

In the house, the figure turned to the lawn and then stiffened like a hunting dog.

From Literature