26984 words

harden

5 definitions • 8 examples
1
to become or make hard:

Examples:

The mixture hardens as it cools.
It is thought that high cholesterol levels in the blood can harden the arteries (= make them thicker and stiffer, causing disease).
2

Examples:

Living in the desert hardened the recruits (= made them more strong and determined).
As the war progressed, attitudes on both sides hardened (= became more severe and determined).
3
to make or become stronger or more severe:

Examples:

[ I ] As the war progressed, attitudes on both sides hardened.
4
to become firm or solid, or to cause something to become firm or solid:

Examples:

[ I ] In a few hours the cement will harden.
5
if prices or share prices harden, they increase:

Examples:

If the oil price hardens this week and remains high, there will be some effect on fuel prices by the end of this week.

Navigation