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verb. uk / ˈstɪf. ə n / us / ˈstɪf. ə n / stiffen verb (FIRM) Add to word list. [ I ] to become firm or more difficult to bend: Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm). His body stiffened in fear. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Tight and tightening. astringency. chokehold. close-fitting. fast. inelasticity. retighten
verb. /ˈstɪfn/ Verb Forms. [intransitive, transitive] to make yourself or part of your body straight and still, especially because you are angry or frightened. stiffen (with something) She stiffened with fear. stiffen something (with something) I stiffened my back and faced him. Take your English to the next level.
If you stiffen, you stop moving and stand or sit with muscles that are suddenly tense, for example because you feel afraid or angry.
to become firm or more difficult to bend: Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm). His body stiffened in fear. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Tight and tightening. astringency. chokehold. close-fitting. fast.
1. [no object] : to stop moving and become completely still especially because of fear, anger, etc. She stiffened when he grabbed her shoulder. The dogs stiffened in alarm. 2. [no object] : to become painful to move or use — often + up. My muscles stiffened up the next day.
verb (used without object) to become stiff. to become suddenly tense, rigid, or taut, as in bracing oneself for or drawing back from shock, fear, or displeasure: He stiffened, expecting to hear the worst. stiffen. / ˈstɪfən /.
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English stiff‧en /ˈstɪfən/ verb 1 [ intransitive] if you stiffen, your body suddenly becomes firm, straight, or still because you feel angry or anxious OPP relax He touched her, and she stiffened. 2 [ intransitive, transitive] to become stronger, more severe, or more determined, or to make something ...
