stiffening

• 名词，指使某物变硬、变得不柔韧或不易弯曲的动作或过程，也指身体部位变得僵硬、不灵活。

A noun referring to the act or process of becoming stiff, rigid, or less flexible.

不可数

1. Process of becoming rigidB2formal

   The act or process of becoming stiff, rigid, or less flexible.

   变硬

   • The stiffening of the muscles after exercise is normal.
   • The cold weather caused a stiffening of the joints.
   • The stiffening of the material made it harder to bend.

   同义词congealmentcuringhardeningrigidificationsettingsolidification

2. Addition of supportB2formal

   The act of adding something to make a structure or material more rigid or firm.

   加固

   • The stiffening of the frame with steel beams improved stability.
   • They used a special compound for the stiffening of the fabric.
   • The stiffening of the cardboard box prevented it from collapsing.

   同义词bracingfortificationreinforcementstrengthening

• 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