Harden: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when something is becoming more solid, firm, or resistant. It can refer to physical objects or figuratively to emotions, policies, or attitudes.

• The clay will harden if left out in the sun
• Over time, his heart seemed to harden to the pleas for help

Implies becoming stronger, more resilient, or less sensitive, both physically and emotionally. It can have a slightly negative connotation if it suggests being insensitive.

• You need to toughen up if you want to survive boot camp
• The coach told the team to toughen up after their recent losses

Commonly used when something becomes more secure, structured, or controlled, either physically or metaphorically. It often implies making improvements or being more disciplined.

• You need to tighten up those screws to prevent the table from wobbling
• The company decided to tighten up its security measures

Describes engaging in physical activity or emphasizing physical presence or interactions. Often used in sports, exercise, or to describe physical confrontations.

• He needs to be physical to improve his game on the field
• They decided to be physical rather than settle the dispute verbally

This word is used when something becomes more solid or tougher, often physically or emotionally.

• The clay needs to harden before we can use the sculpture
• His heart seemed to harden after the betrayal

This word is generally used to mean making something stronger, and can be used in a wide range of contexts including physical objects, skills, relationships, and more.

• You need to strengthen your muscles with regular exercise
• They aim to strengthen the bond between team members

Use this when talking about increasing the degree, amount, or strength of something, usually referring to emotions or efforts.

• The debate began to intensify as both sides refused to compromise
• The search efforts will intensify with more volunteers

This is typically used in the context of adding strength or protection, often referring to structures or nutritional content.

• They need to fortify the walls with more cement
• Foods are often fortified with vitamins and minerals

Often used to describe making something physically tougher or more rigid. It can also refer to someone becoming less sensitive or more determined.

• The clay will harden after being left out in the sun.
• Years of difficult experiences had hardened his heart.

Mostly used when talking about increasing the physical, emotional, or structural power of something or someone.

• Daily exercise will help strengthen your muscles.
• They are working to strengthen their relationship.

Often used in metallurgy to describe the process of heating and cooling metal to improve its properties. Can also mean moderating or changing the intensity of something (e.g., emotions).

• The blacksmith will temper the steel to make it more durable.
• His excitement was tempered by a sense of caution.

Used in situations where something turns from a liquid or soft state to a solid state. It can also mean making plans or ideas more definite.

• The molten lava began to solidify as it cooled down.
• We need to solidify our vacation plans by the end of the week.