Stiffened

Pronunciation: /ˈstɪfənd/

Definitions of stiffened

verb to make or become stiff or rigid

Example Sentences

A1 The cat stiffened when it heard a loud noise.

A2 She stiffened with fear as the dark figure approached.

B1 His muscles stiffened after a long day of physical labor.

B2 The atmosphere in the room stiffened as the argument escalated.

C1 The soldier stiffened at attention as the general entered the room.

C2 Her resolve stiffened as she faced the difficult decision ahead.

Examples of stiffened in a Sentence

formal The fabric stiffened after being exposed to the cold temperature.

informal She stiffened when she heard the unexpected knock on the door.

slang His muscles stiffened up after the intense workout.

figurative The team's resolve stiffened as they faced their toughest opponent yet.

Grammatical Forms of stiffened

• past tense: stiffened
• plural: stiffened
• comparative: stiffer
• superlative: stiffest
• present tense: stiffen
• future tense: will stiffen
• perfect tense: have stiffened
• continuous tense: is stiffening
• singular: stiffened
• positive degree: stiff
• infinitive: to stiffen
• gerund: stiffening
• participle: stiffened

Origin and Evolution of stiffened

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'stiffened' originated from the Old English word 'stifnian' which means to make rigid or firm.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'stiffened' has retained its original meaning of becoming rigid or firm, but has also taken on additional connotations such as becoming unyielding or inflexible.