English Dictionary
Definition tighten in British English
tighten
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.
These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
verb
What are red words?
Around 90% of spoken and written English relies on just 7,500 common words.These words are highlighted in red and are ranked using a star system.
- One-star words are commonly used
- Two-star words are even more common
- Three-star words are the most frequently used
/ˈtaɪt(ə)n/
3
if a muscle or a part of your body tightens, or if you tighten it, it becomes hard and stiff, often because you are angry or afraid
Example
Her stomach tightened, anticipating the fight that was to come.
Synonyms and related words
Example
The government wants to tighten its control on the press.
Synonyms and related words
5.1
to make an arrangement for guarding or protecting something more effectively
Example
Security at foreign consulates was tightened after the attack.
