verb

wilden

WYL-duhn

Wilden (verb) means to make something wild, or to become wilder or more untamed. Example: “Years of neglect let the once-tidy garden wilden into a thicket.”

verb

To make something wild, or to become wilder or more untamed.

"Years of neglect let the once-tidy garden wilden into a thicket."

"The new policy aims to wilden parts of the coastline by removing old sea defenses."

How to use wilden

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo turn wild, or let something return to a wild state.

Common pairings

wilden the land wilden a garden

Word forms

wildened past tense, wildens singular

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Can you complete this real example?

Years of neglect let the once-tidy garden _____ into a thicket.

Etymology

Formed from "wild" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," the same pattern seen in "harden" and "soften."

Rhymes for wilden

Tilden

See all rhymes for wilden →

Frequently asked questions

What does “wilden” mean?

The word “wilden” means to make something wild, or to become wilder or more untamed. In plain terms, to turn wild, or let something return to a wild state.

How do you pronounce “wilden”?

“Wilden” is pronounced WYL-duhn (/ˈwaɪldən/ in IPA).

How do you use “wilden” in a sentence?

Here is “wilden” used in a sentence: “Years of neglect let the once-tidy garden wilden into a thicket.”

What part of speech is “wilden”?

“Wilden” is a verb.