Meaning & use
stiffen
To become or make rigid, firm, or less flexible.
See it in a sentence
Her muscles began to stiffen after the long car ride.
Cold night air stiffened the wet gloves left outside overnight.
A note on using this word
Stiffen can describe physical rigidity or a figurative hardening, as when someone's resolve or resistance stiffens.
Words with a similar meaning
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Words with an opposite meaning
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