stiffening
/ˈstɪfənɪŋ/
adjective
- Becoming rigid or less flexible.
- The stiffening breeze made the flags stand straight out.
- The stiffening cardboard could no longer hold its shape.
- He felt a stiffening pain in his neck after sleeping wrong.
noun
- The process or result of becoming rigid or less flexible.
- The stiffening of the fabric after washing was unexpected.
- Arthritis can cause stiffening of the joints over time.
- The stiffening of the dough made it hard to roll out.
- An increase in severity, strictness, or determination.
- The stiffening of the rules surprised many employees.
- There has been a stiffening of security at the airport.
- Her stiffening of attitude made negotiations difficult.
Synonyms