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Stiffen

//ˈstɪfən// verb

Definitions

Verb
  1. 1
    To make stiff. transitive

    "Criminal prosecutions of abusers are generally the responsibility of local authorities, but the act stiffened sentences for stalking under federal law."

  2. 2
    make stiff or stiffer wordnet
  3. 3
    To become stiff. intransitive

    "Bewildered by the unexpected greeting, my son stiffened, but managed a polite answer."

  4. 4
    become stiff or stiffer wordnet
  5. 5
    severely restrict in scope or extent wordnet

Etymology

From Middle English stifnen, equivalent to stiff + -en.

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