Stiffens Meaning in English
word · lemma: stiffen
ˈstɪfənz
STIF-enz
stˈɪfənz
STIF-enz
Definition
Something 'stiffens' when it becomes hard, rigid, or less flexible, either physically or because of emotion (like nerves or fear).
Usage & Nuances
'Stiffens' is often used for physical things (like muscles or objects) and figuratively for people becoming tense due to emotion. Common collocations: 'his body stiffens', 'her face stiffens'. Often used in descriptions of surprise, fear, or discomfort.
Spanish: endurece - se pone rígidoPortuguese (BR): endurece - fica rígidoPortuguese (PT): endurece - fica rígidoChinese (Simplified): 变得僵硬 - 变硬Chinese (Traditional): 變得僵硬 - 變硬Hindi: कड़ा हो जाता है - सख्त हो जाता हैArabic: يصبح صلبًا - يتصلبBengali: সংকীর্ণ হয় - শক্ত হয়ে যায়Russian: затвердевает - становится жёсткимJapanese: 固くなる - 硬直するVietnamese: cứng lạiKorean: 굳어진다 - 뻣뻣해진다Turkish: sertleşir - katılaşırUrdu: سخت ہوجاتا ہے - اکڑ جاتا ہےIndonesian: cứng lại - trở nên căng thẳng
Example Sentences
The cold wind stiffens my fingers.
basic
When she is nervous, her posture stiffens.
basic
Wet cement stiffens as it dries.
basic
He stiffens whenever someone mentions the accident.
natural
Her face stiffens when she hears bad news.
natural
The dog’s tail stiffens as it spots a stranger.
natural