stiffens
Grows more rigid
Stiffens is the third-person singular of stiffen, meaning to become or make rigid.
A body stiffens after death.
Muscles stiffen from disuse.
A person's manner stiffens when they become formal or unfriendly: She stiffened when he walked in.
Resolve can stiffen—grow firmer: Opposition only stiffened their determination.
Becomes stiff or inflexible
- hardensBecomes firm or solid
- tensesTime markers for verbs
- tightensMakes less loose
- solidifiesBecomes hard or firm
firms · locks · braces · freezes · contracts · sets · congeals · thickens
Increases force or durability
- fortifiesStrengthens against threat
- hardensBecomes firm or solid
- steelsStrengthens one's nerve
- bolstersSupports or cylindrical pillows
reinforces · firms · galvanizes · emboldens · nerves · braces · toughens · resolves
Time markers for verbs
- bristlesCoarse animal hairs
- hardensBecomes firm or solid
- freezesHardens from cold
- guardsProtectors or watchmen
withdraws · closes · steels · armors · fortifies · braces · chills · distances
rigidifies
Becomes stiff or inflexible
solidifies · firms · locks · braces · freezes · contracts · sets · congeals · thickens · calcifies
strengthens
Increases force or durability
bolsters · reinforces · firms · galvanizes · emboldens · nerves · braces · toughens · resolves · steadies
tenses
Time markers for verbs
guards · withdraws · closes · steels · armors · fortifies · braces · chills · distances · recoils
resists
Actively withstands force
digs · entrenches · holds · stands · refuses · defies · balks · rebuffs · blocks · impedes
starches
Complex edible sugars
irons · sets · finishes · glazes · treats · coats · sprays · bonds · laminates · reinforces
- stiffen upBecome rigid or tense
- stiffening upBecoming less flexible
- stiffened upBecame less flexible
stiffen, stiffened, stiffening, stiffer, stiffest, stiffener, unstiffened