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

This involves the buildup of dense, fibrous tissue around the tumor, made up of cells and proteins that stiffen and inflame the area.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

"This will only stiffen our resolve to ensure that we make Washington DC safe and beautiful," the Pentagon chief said.

From BBC • Nov. 26, 2025

The effort to scrap the provision to stiffen penalties drew sweeping criticism from the governor and on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

When we’d finished, I was beginning to stiffen up, so I got up to move around and looked in on one of the two dormitories.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson