26984 words

stiffening

4 definitions • 6 examples
1
present participle of
2
to become firm or more difficult to bend:

Examples:

Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm).
His body stiffened in fear.
3
to become less relaxed and more formal:

Examples:

She stiffened when her former husband walked into the room.
4
to become or make something stronger or more difficult:

Examples:

These events have stiffened our resolve to succeed.
Penalties for selling illegal drugs have been stiffened.
Stiffening competition in the market has led to a reduction in the company's profits this year.

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