stiffen
/ˈstɪfən/
verb
- To become or make something rigid or less flexible.
- Add cornstarch to the sauce to stiffen it.
- His muscles stiffen after a long run.
- The cold wind caused the wet clothes to stiffen on the line.
- To become more severe, strict, or determined.
- The government decided to stiffen the penalties for drunk driving.
- The company stiffened its rules about using phones during work.
- Her resolve stiffened when she heard the news.
- To become tense or rigid in body posture, often due to fear or anger.
- He stiffened when he heard a strange noise in the dark.
- She stiffened at the insult, but said nothing.
- The dog stiffened and growled at the stranger.