stiffens
|stif-ens|
🇺🇸
/ˈstɪfənz/
🇬🇧
/ˈstɪf(ə)nz/
(stiffen)
make rigid
Etymology
'stiffen' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'stīf' (meaning 'rigid, hard') combined with the verb-forming suffix '-en'.
'stiffen' changed from Old English adjective 'stīf' plus a verbal suffix to Middle English forms such as 'stifnen' and eventually became the modern English verb 'stiffen'.
Initially, it meant 'to make rigid or hard', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'to make or become rigid; to tense; to become more severe or formal'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to make or become physically rigid or less flexible.
After days of inactivity, the joint stiffens and becomes painful.
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Verb 2
to tense (muscles or body) involuntarily, often from fear, cold, or stress.
He stiffens when the subject is mentioned, clearly uncomfortable.
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Verb 3
to become or make more severe, strict, or uncompromising (policies, rules, penalties).
The administration stiffens its regulations in response to rising complaints.
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Last updated: 2025/09/20 03:29