tighten

/ˈtaɪtn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtaɪtn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtī-tᵊn/ (ame, mw)

tighten — verb

  • tightenpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tightenshe / she / it
  • tightenedpast simple
  • tightening-ing form

1. to pull or turn something so that it fits more closely or becomes more secure an

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to pull or turn something so that it fits more closely or becomes more secure and less likely to move or loosen; or to become more firm or fixed in this way

例句

Rin used a screwdriver to tighten the loose screws on the wooden chair.

tighten + loose screws/bolts/nuts

The rope around the tent tightened as Linh pulled it from the other side.

intransitive: rope/cable + tightens

同義詞
  • fasten

    focuses on attaching or closing something securely, like a seatbelt or button; more specific than tighten

  • secure

    suggests making something safe from movement, often with more force or permanence

  • tense

    used mainly for muscles or body parts becoming stiff, not for objects like screws or ropes

反義詞
  • loosen

    the direct opposite — to make something less tight or less fixed

  • slacken

    to make a rope, cable, or grip less tight; more specific than loosen

文法句型

tighten + object (screw/bolt/rope/strap/belt)

object (muscle/rope/grip) + tightens

用法筆記

This sense works both ways: you can tighten something (transitive, with a direct object) or something can tighten by itself (intransitive, no object). Common objects include screws, bolts, ropes, straps, belts, knots, chains, and grips. For body parts such as muscles or jaws, the intransitive form is more natural.

常見錯誤

❌I tightened the screw too much that it broke.
✅I tightened the screw so much that it broke.
💡表示結果應用「so...that」，而非「too...that」。
❌The belt tightened me when I sat down.
✅The belt tightened around my waist when I sat down.
💡作不及物動詞時，主詞是變緊的物品本身，不是人。
❌I tightened my shoelaces too tight.
✅I tightened my shoelaces too much.
💡tighten 之後應接程度副詞（much），而非形容詞（tight）。

2. to make rules, laws, security measures, or other restrictions stronger or more s

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make rules, laws, security measures, or other restrictions stronger or more severe, so that people have less freedom or find it harder to break them

例句

The government tightened security at all international airports after the recent threat.

tighten + security / tighten + controls

Banks have tightened their lending rules, making it harder for small businesses to get loans.

tighten + rules/regulations/policies

同義詞
  • restrict

    more general — means to limit or control; does not imply making existing rules stronger, but creating new limits

  • stiffen

    suggests making penalties or requirements harder to meet; less common than tighten in this sense

  • clamp down on

    phrasal verb meaning to take strong action to stop something; more forceful and informal than tighten

反義詞
  • relax

    to make rules or restrictions less severe; the most common opposite

  • ease

    to gradually reduce strictness; softer in tone than relax

  • loosen

    can be used for rules/restrictions, though less common than relax

文法句型

tighten + object (rules/security/controls/restrictions/policies)

用法筆記

The subject of this sense is usually an organization or authority (government, company, school, bank, city council). The object is always an abstract noun related to rules or restrictions — you cannot tighten a person. Frequently used with adverbs such as 'significantly,' 'further,' or 'dramatically.'

常見錯誤

❌The police tightened the criminals.
✅The police tightened security around the building.
💡tighten 只能用於規則、安檢或限制等抽象事物，不能直接「收緊人」。
❌The government tightened the law more strictly.
✅The government tightened the law.
💡tighten 本身已包含「變得更嚴格」的意思，加上 more strictly 是贅字。
❌The school tightened up on their dress code.
✅The school tightened its dress code.' 或 'The school tightened up its dress code.
💡tighten up 可直接接受詞，不需加介係詞 on。