stiffen

verb

stiff·​en ˈsti-fən How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
stiffened; stiffening ˈsti-fə-niŋ How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
ˈstif-niŋ
Synonyms of stiffennext

intransitive verb

: to become stiff or stiffer
stiffener
ˈsti-fə-nər How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
ˈstif-nər
noun

Examples of stiffen in a Sentence

She stiffened when he grabbed her shoulder. The dogs stiffened in alarm. The law would stiffen penalties for tax evasion.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Golden State’s schedule stiffens with an upcoming trip to New York and Indiana. Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 14 May 2026 There was a sudden spring shower, which stiffened into rain. Sam Knight, New Yorker, 14 May 2026 According to the National Institutes of Health's Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, Schwartz-Jampel syndrome is a condition where the muscles permanently stiffen and a person has bone abnormalities called chondrodysplasia, both of which can worsen over time. ABC News, 12 May 2026 All of them will serve to stiffen fabric, create crisp lines, and make your garment more stain-resistant. Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 10 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for stiffen

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of stiffen was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Stiffen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stiffen. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

stiffen

verb
stiff·​en ˈstif-ən How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
stiffened; stiffening -(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce stiffen (audio)
: to make or become stiff or stiffer
stiffener noun

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