C1verbemotionshealth
US/ˈstɪf.ən/
UK/ˈstɪf.ən/
to become stiff or tense, or to make something firmer or stronger
In context
She stiffened when she heard footsteps behind her in the dark.
Add starch to stiffen the collar before you iron the shirt.
The government plans to stiffen penalties for dangerous driving.
Words that go with stiffen
verb + preposition
- stiffen with fearHe stiffened with fear at the sound.
verb + noun
- stiffen penaltiesLawmakers voted to stiffen penalties for fraud.
- stiffen resistanceThe attack only stiffened their resistance.
- stiffen resolveThe defeat stiffened his resolve to win.
verb + adverb
- stiffen visiblyHer shoulders stiffened visibly when he spoke.