stiffen
Stiffen (verb) means to make something rigid or less flexible. Example: “Starch stiffens the collar so it holds its shape.”
How to use stiffen
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo turn rigid or firm, whether that is fabric, muscles, or someone's posture.
Word forms
stiffened past tense, stiffens singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Starch _____ the collar so it holds its shape.
Etymology
From Middle English stifnen — "stiff" plus the verb-forming ending "-en", same pattern as "harden" or "soften".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “stiffen” mean?
The word “stiffen” means to make something rigid or less flexible. In plain terms, to turn rigid or firm, whether that is fabric, muscles, or someone's posture.
How do you pronounce “stiffen”?
“Stiffen” is pronounced STIH-fuhn (/ˈstɪfən/ in IPA).
How do you use “stiffen” in a sentence?
Here is “stiffen” used in a sentence: “Starch stiffens the collar so it holds its shape.”
What is another word for “stiffen”?
Words with a similar meaning to “stiffen” include starken.
What part of speech is “stiffen”?
“Stiffen” is a verb.
Where does the word “stiffen” come from?
The word “stiffen” comes from Middle English. From Middle English stifnen — "stiff" plus the verb-forming ending "-en", same pattern as "harden" or "soften".
How many meanings does “stiffen” have?
“Stiffen” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make something rigid or less flexible.
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