The meaning of STIFFEN is to make stiff or stiffer. How to use stiffen in a sentence.

STIFFEN definition: to make stiff. See examples of stiffen used in a sentence.

Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm). His body stiffened in fear. She stiffened when her former husband walked into the room. These events have stiffened our resolve to …

If your muscles or joints stiffen, or if something stiffens them, they become difficult to bend or move. The blood supply to the skin is reduced when muscles stiffen. [VERB]

Definition of stiffen verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

stiffen (ˈstɪfən) vb 1. to make or become stiff or stiffer 2. (intr) to become suddenly tense or unyielding

Dec 14, 2025 · stiffen (third-person singular simple present stiffens, present participle stiffening, simple past and past participle stiffened) (transitive) To make stiff. quotations

to make stiff. 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 meaning: 1 : to stop moving and become completely still especially because of fear, anger, etc.; 2 : to become painful to move or use often + up

To stiffen is to become stiff or unbending. If your legs stiffen during a long plane flight, you'll want to stretch them out once you land. You can stiffen something deliberately, like when you stiffen …