tighten

• 表示使某物变得更紧、更牢固或更收缩，或指收紧、拉紧、加强控制等动作。

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.

   拧紧

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

   同义词cinchclampconstrictfastensecuresqueezestrainstretchtautentense

   反义词loosenrelaxreleaseslackenunfasten

2. Become tight or tighterB1formal

   To become more tense, firm, or constricted.

   变紧

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

   同义词constrictcontractstiffentautentense

   反义词loosenrelaxreleaseslacken

3. RestrictB2formal

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

   收紧

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

   同义词constrainreinforcestiffenstrengthentoughen

   反义词easeloosenrelax

4. Narrow or limitB2formal

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

   收紧或限制

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

   同义词constrainconstrictcurtaillimitnarrowreducerestrict

   反义词easeexpandloosenrelaxwiden

短语动词变体tighten up