stiffen

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de devenir rigide, dur ou moins flexible, ou de rendre quelque chose rigide. Peut aussi signifier se raidir sous l'effet de la peur, de la douleur ou de la détermination.

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.

   Devenir rigide

   • 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.

   Synonymescongealcrampfreezehardenrigidifysolidifytense uptighten

   Antonymesflexloosenrelaxsoften

2. Make rigidB1formal

   To cause something to become rigid or less flexible.

   Rendre rigide

   • 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.

   Synonymesbracefirmhardenrigidifysetsolidifytense

   Antonymesflexloosenrelaxsoften

3. Become more severe or strictB2formal

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

   Se durcir

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

   Synonymesfirm uphardentightentoughen

   Antonymeseaseloosenmoderaterelaxsoften