Stiffens

To become or make something rigid, firm, or difficult to bend or move. This can refer to physical objects, biological tissues, or abstract concepts like resolve or resistance. The process can be triggered by various factors such as cooling, drying, chemical reactions, or a buildup of tension. When something stiffens, it loses its flexibility and becomes more resistant to deformation. This hardening can be temporary or permanent depending on the context and the nature of the substance or entity involved. Often implies an increase in structural integrity or resilience, but can also indicate a loss of suppleness or agility.

Stiffens meaning with examples

• The cold air caused the butter to stiffen, making it difficult to spread on the bread. The children giggled as their art teacher asked them to not stiffen up, and start drawing. The starch used to stiffen the collars of dress shirts gives them a crisp, professional appearance. As the glue dried, it began to stiffen, securing the pieces of the model together. The aging process gradually causes the arteries to stiffen, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems.
• The sudden chill caused the fabric of the tent to stiffen, making it more resistant to the wind. Her face would stiffen at the mention of her ex-boyfriend's name. In winter, the frozen lake surface began to stiffen, which will eventually allow for ice skating. The rules of the game began to stiffen, making it harder to score goals. Fear can sometimes make your muscles stiffen, and make it harder to escape.
• As the concrete cured, it started to stiffen and transform from a liquid slurry into a solid structure. The manager wanted her employees to begin to stiffen their commitment, in order to meet their goal. A lack of moisture can cause leather to stiffen and become less pliable. The officer requested that the soldiers stiffen and become more resilient. The government's stance on the issue started to stiffen, with no signs of change.
• The cold wind started to stiffen the wet clay, preventing the sculptor from shaping it properly. The lawyer wanted her case to stiffen with the evidence that she gathered. The ice cream started to stiffen the minute it was taken out of the freezer. As the argument escalated, his resolve began to stiffen, making him less likely to compromise. After a long run, the muscles in his legs would begin to stiffen.
• The artist used a special solution to stiffen the canvas before painting. She wanted her employees to stiffen when they heard the bad news. The cold temperatures caused the rope to stiffen, making it difficult to tie knots. When a building begins to fall, the internal structures start to stiffen. After an hour of waiting, her fingers started to stiffen.