tighten

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de rendre quelque chose plus serré, plus ferme ou plus tendu, ou de devenir plus rigide ou contracté.

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.

   resserrer, serrer

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

   Synonymescinchclampconstrictfastensecuresqueezestrainstretchtautentense

   Antonymesloosenrelaxreleaseslackenunfasten

2. Become tight or tighterB1formal

   To become more tense, firm, or constricted.

   se resserrer

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

   Synonymesconstrictcontractstiffentautentense

   Antonymesloosenrelaxreleaseslacken

3. RestrictB2formal

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

   resserrer (restreindre)

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

   Synonymesconstrainreinforcestiffenstrengthentoughen

   Antonymeseaseloosenrelax

4. Narrow or limitB2formal

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

   restreindre

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

   Synonymesconstrainconstrictcurtaillimitnarrowreducerestrict

   Antonymeseaseexpandloosenrelaxwiden

Variantes phrasaltighten up