stiffen

/ˈstɪfn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈstɪfn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈsti-fən/ (ame, mw)

stiffen — verb

  • stiffenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • stiffenshe / she / it
  • stiffenedpast simple
  • stiffening-ing form

1. to become rigid and resistant to bending, or to cause something to become like t

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to become rigid and resistant to bending, or to cause something to become like this, usually through cold, drying, or the addition of a firming substance.

例句

Nikhil waited for the glue to dry, watching the paper stiffen on the model airplane.

intransitive: [material] stiffens as [substance] dries

Before the party, Lisa stiffened the tablecloth with starch to make it look neat.

transitive: stiffen [thing] with [substance]

同義詞
  • harden

    more general — can apply to surfaces, food, cement, etc.

  • solidify

    implies becoming solid throughout, not just stiff on the surface

  • set

    specifically for substances like glue, cement, or jelly that become firm after a period

反義詞
  • soften

    opposite process — becoming less firm and more pliable

  • loosen

    becoming less tight or rigid

文法句型

stiffen (something)

stiffen with [substance]

stiffen in [temperature/condition]

用法筆記

Frequently used for materials such as fabric, cardboard, or rubber that react to temperature changes or added substances. Can describe either a natural process (intransitive) or an intentional action by a person (transitive).

常見錯誤

❌The bread stiffened in the oven.
✅The bread hardened in the oven.
💡Stiffen implies becoming rigid or unbending, not just firm; bread in an oven does not stiffen, it hardens.
❌I stiffened the rope by pulling it tight.
✅I tightened the rope by pulling it.
💡Ropes are pulled tight, not stiffened; stiffen refers to the material's own rigidity, not tension.

2. to suddenly hold your body still and tight, or to become more serious and less c

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to suddenly hold your body still and tight, or to become more serious and less casual in manner, often as a reaction to fear, anger, nervousness, or a tense social situation.

例句

When the manager walked in, the whole team stiffened and stopped chatting.

intransitive: group stiffens upon [event]

Ife stiffened as the dog growled, not daring to move or even breathe.

intransitive: stiffen as [threatening event] happens

同義詞
  • tense up

    more common in everyday speech — same meaning but less formal

  • freeze

    implies stopping all movement from fear or shock

  • brace oneself

    suggests preparing for an impact rather than a startled reaction

反義詞
  • relax

    to become calm and loose again

  • loosen up

    informal — to stop being tense or formal

文法句型

stiffen at [stimulus]

stiffen with [emotion]

stiffen when [event happens]

用法筆記

Often describes a quick, involuntary reaction to a specific trigger — a sound, a person's arrival, bad news, or a tense moment. Can refer to either the body (muscles, shoulders) or the general mood of a situation. Not used for planned or deliberate actions.

常見錯誤

❌She stiffened her muscles before lifting the box.
✅She tensed her muscles before lifting the box.
💡Stiffen for body reactions is typically involuntary and intransitive; 'tense' or 'tighten' is better for deliberate muscle preparation.

3. to make laws, rules, or standards stricter and harder to avoid, or for someone's

3.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to make laws, rules, or standards stricter and harder to avoid, or for someone's attitude, determination, or opposition to become stronger and more unwavering.

例句

The government has stiffened the penalties for using a phone while driving.

transitive: stiffen [penalties/rules]

Otis's resolve stiffened when he remembered why he had started this project.

intransitive: [resolve/determination] stiffens

同義詞
  • toughen

    very similar in meaning; often used for laws and attitudes

  • tighten

    focuses on making rules harder to bypass or avoid

  • strengthen

    broader — can apply to many things from economy to relationships

反義詞
  • weaken

    opposite — make rules or attitudes less strict

  • soften

    make requirements less severe or attitudes more flexible

  • relax

    formal — to make rules less strict

文法句型

stiffen [rules/penalties/requirements]

stiffen [resolve/determination/resistance]

用法筆記

The object must be something abstract — rules, penalties, requirements, standards, or personal qualities like resolve, resistance, or opposition. Not used for physical objects in this sense. Common in formal, legal, and institutional contexts.

常見錯誤

❌The company stiffened its prices.
✅The company raised its prices.
💡Stiffen is not used for prices or fees; use 'raise,' 'increase,' or 'tighten' instead.
❌She stiffened her offer to buy the house.
✅She improved her offer.
💡Offers can be increased or improved, not stiffened.