stiffener

/ˈstɪfənər/
noun
  1. A material or device used to make something rigid or less flexible.
    • The box had a cardboard stiffener inside to protect the contents.
    • Engineers used a metal stiffener to reinforce the bridge.
    • The tailor added a stiffener to the collar to keep it upright.
  2. Something that strengthens or reinforces a person's resolve or a situation.
    • Her speech acted as a stiffener for the nervous recruits.
    • A cup of strong coffee served as a stiffener before the long drive.
    • The good news was a stiffener for the team's morale.
Antonyms
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