tighten
TEYE-tuhn
Tighten (verb) means to make something tighter, firmer, or more secure. Example: “He tightened the bolts on the bicycle wheel.”
verb
1
To make something tighter, firmer, or more secure.
"He tightened the bolts on the bicycle wheel."
"The rope tightened as the boat drifted away from the dock."
2
To make rules, controls, or financial conditions stricter or more restrictive.
"The government tightened border security after the incident."
"Banks tightened lending after the crisis."
How to use tighten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something more secure, strict, or firm.
Common pairings
tighten a screw
tighten security
tighten your belt
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- tightens
- Past tense
- tightened
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He _____ the bolts on the bicycle wheel.
Etymology
From "tight" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," though the word actually developed independently from an Old English verb related to pulling or drawing.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tighten
See all rhymes for tighten →Frequently asked questions
What does “tighten” mean?
The word “tighten” means to make something tighter, firmer, or more secure. In plain terms, to make something more secure, strict, or firm.
How do you pronounce “tighten”?
“Tighten” is pronounced TEYE-tuhn (/ˈtaɪ.tən/ in IPA).
How do you use “tighten” in a sentence?
Here is “tighten” used in a sentence: “He tightened the bolts on the bicycle wheel.”
What is another word for “tighten”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tighten” include bind, brace, cinch, clench, constrict and squeeze.
What is the opposite of “tighten”?
The opposite of “tighten” — its antonyms — are loosen, divide and liberate.
What part of speech is “tighten”?
“Tighten” is a verb.
Where does the word “tighten” come from?
The word “tighten” comes from Old English. From "tight" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," though the word actually developed independently from an Old English verb related to pulling or drawing.
Is “tighten” a common word?
“Tighten” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
