stiffen

• Verb, das den Vorgang bezeichnet, hart, steif oder weniger biegsam zu werden, sowie das Verursachen von Steifheit bei etwas.

A verb used to indicate the act of becoming rigid, firm, or less flexible, or making something rigid.

1. Become rigidB1formal

   To become physically rigid or less flexible, often due to cold, fear, or injury.

   Steif werden

   • Her muscles stiffened after the long run.
   • The fabric stiffened when it dried in the sun.
   • He stiffened with fear when he heard the noise.

   Synonymecongealcrampfreezehardenrigidifysolidifytense uptighten

   Antonymeflexloosenrelaxsoften

2. Make rigidB1formal

   To cause something to become rigid or less flexible.

   Steif machen

   • The cold weather stiffened the rubber hose.
   • Add starch to stiffen the collar of the shirt.
   • The glue stiffened the paper into a hard sheet.

   Synonymebracefirmhardenrigidifysetsolidifytense

   Antonymeflexloosenrelaxsoften

3. Become more severe or strictB2formal

   To become more severe, strict, or determined in attitude or policy.

   Sich verschärfen

   • The government stiffened the penalties for tax evasion.
   • Her resolve stiffened as she faced the challenge.
   • The company stiffened its rules on workplace safety.

   Synonymefirm uphardentightentoughen

   Antonymeeaseloosenmoderaterelaxsoften