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Hardened Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hardened

[หˆhษ‘หrdษ™nd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

psychological state

Hardened refers to having developed a toughened or unfeeling attitude, often as a result of difficult experiences. This term is frequently used to describe individuals who have become emotionally insulated due to trauma or hardship. Such a state can lead to a lack of empathy and sensitivity towards others, often making interpersonal relationships challenging. A hardened personality may be seen in people who have faced repeated setbacks, leading them to adopt a protective demeanor.

Synonyms

callous, insensitive, toughened, unfeeling.

Examples of usage

  • She became hardened after years of struggle.
  • His hardened demeanor made it hard to approach him.
  • The hardened criminal showed no remorse.
  • After the loss, he felt himself becoming emotionally hardened.
Context #2 | Verb

physical state

Hardened can also refer to something that has become physically solid or firm, often through a process of cooling or strengthening. For example, metals and other materials can be hardened to increase their durability and resistance to wear. This process can be essential in manufacturing and engineering, where strength and reliability of materials are crucial for applications.

Synonyms

fortified, frozen, set, solidified.

Examples of usage

  • The metal was hardened by heat treatment.
  • Concrete will harden over time.
  • He hardened the clay by baking it.
  • The plastic will harden when exposed to air.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In emotional terms, people may become 'hardened' due to past experiences, making them less sensitive to pain or sorrow.
  • The concept of 'emotional hardening' can sometimes protect individuals from feeling overly vulnerable.

Science

  • In material science, processes like heat treatment can enhance the hardness of metals, demonstrating practical applications of 'hardening'.
  • The hardening of concrete is a chemical process that allows it to become strong and durable over time.

Pop Culture

  • In literature and films, characters often undergo a 'hardening' process after facing adversity, symbolizing resilience and strength.
  • The phrase 'hardened criminal' is used in media to describe someone who has become toughened by a life of crime.

Physical Health

  • In fitness, 'hardened' can refer to muscles that have strengthened through consistent training, showing a physical transformation.
  • Similarly, individuals may experience hardened blood vessels as a result of unhealthy habits, affecting overall health.

Origin of 'hardened'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hardened' comes from Old English 'heardian', meaning to make hard or solid.
  • In Middle English, it evolved to 'harden', which was used to describe toughening materials or people.

The word 'hardened' originates from the Old English word 'hardian', which means to make hard or strong. The roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*hardwaz', meaning brave, strong, or hard, which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'hart' (hard) and Old Norse 'harรฐur'. Over time, the term evolved and diversified in usage, describing not only physical hardness but also emotional resilience or toughness in response to life's challenges. This duality of meaning has made 'hardened' a versatile term in both everyday language and literary contexts, illustrating the complexities of human experience.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,076 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.