stiffen

• 动词，表示变得坚硬、僵硬或缺乏弹性，或使某物变得坚硬。

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.

   变僵硬

   • 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.

   同义词congealcrampfreezehardenrigidifysolidifytense uptighten

   反义词flexloosenrelaxsoften

2. Make rigidB1formal

   To cause something to become rigid or less flexible.

   使变硬

   • 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.

   同义词bracefirmhardenrigidifysetsolidifytense

   反义词flexloosenrelaxsoften

3. Become more severe or strictB2formal

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

   加强

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

   同义词firm uphardentightentoughen

   反义词easeloosenmoderaterelaxsoften