Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
stiffen-up
phrasal verb
/ˈstɪf.ən ʌp/
Definition
To become rigid or tense; to make something become more firm or less flexible.
Examples
- He began to stiffen up when he heard the unexpected news.
- The material will stiffen up once it dries.
- As the cold air rushed in, I could feel my body stiffen up.
Meaning
The process of increasing the rigidity or firmness of an object or one’s body, often in response to a specific stimulus or situation.
Synonyms
- tighten
- rigidify
- harden
- tense
