tighten

• Deutsches Verb, das bedeutet, etwas fester zu machen, zu straffen, anzuziehen oder zu spannen, bzw. selbst fester, straffer oder strammer zu werden.

A verb used to indicate the act of making something more secure, firm, or tight, or of becoming tighter.

1. Make tight or tighterB1formal

   To pull or fasten something so that it becomes more secure or firm.

   festziehen

   • He tightened the screws on the shelf.
   • She tightened her grip on the handle.
   • The mechanic tightened the bolts on the wheel.

   Synonymecinchclampconstrictfastensecuresqueezestrainstretchtautentense

   Antonymeloosenrelaxreleaseslackenunfasten

2. Become tight or tighterB1formal

   To become more tense, firm, or constricted.

   Sich straffen

   • The rope tightened as he pulled it.
   • Her muscles tightened with fear.
   • The knot tightened when the boat moved.

   Synonymeconstrictcontractstiffentautentense

   Antonymeloosenrelaxreleaseslacken

3. RestrictB2formal

   To make rules, controls, or conditions stricter or more limiting.

   Verschärfen

   • The government tightened security at the airport.
   • The company tightened its budget after the losses.
   • New laws tightened restrictions on pollution.

   Synonymeconstrainreinforcestiffenstrengthentoughen

   Antonymeeaseloosenrelax

4. Narrow or limitB2formal

   To reduce the range, scope, or availability of something.

   Einengen oder begrenzen

   • The police tightened the search area.
   • The bank tightened its lending policies.
   • The deadline was tightened to just two weeks.

   Synonymeconstrainconstrictcurtaillimitnarrowreducerestrict

   Antonymeeaseexpandloosenrelaxwiden

Phrasal-Variantentighten up