tighten
/ˈtaɪtən/
verb
- To make something become tighter or more firmly fixed in place.
- Please tighten the lid on the jar so it doesn't leak.
- She tightened her grip on the rope as she climbed the rock wall.
- He used a wrench to tighten the bolts on the bicycle wheel.
- To make something stricter or more controlled, such as rules, security, or spending.
- The school decided to tighten the rules about using phones in class.
- The government plans to tighten security at airports after the incident.
- We need to tighten our budget to save money for the trip.
- To become tighter or more tense.
- His muscles tightened as he prepared to lift the heavy box.
- The rope tightened around the post as the boat pulled away.
- Her throat tightened with emotion when she heard the news.