Laxi Dictionary

American Dictionary

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Definition stiffen in American English

stiffen verb

verb
/ˈstɪf(ə)n/
1

to suddenly hold your body in a stiff way, often because you become nervous, worried, angry, or unfriendly

Example

She stiffened as the footsteps came closer and closer.

Example

He stiffened with rage.

Synonyms and related words
churn convulse flutter
2

if your resolve or resistance stiffens, or if you stiffen it, you become more determined

Example

The army stiffened their resistance.

Example

The air attack only served to stiffen the enemy's resolve.

Synonyms and related words
strengthen intensify invigorate
3

to become stiff and difficult to move

Example

Her old fingers were stiffening up now.

Synonyms and related words
still static stationary
3.1

to make something stiff

Example

He sat up straight, stiffening his back.

Synonyms and related words
atomize bake boil
Definition stiffen in American English