stiffen

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She has also vowed to stiffen prison sentences and to impose a state of emergency in areas worst hit by crime.

From Barron's • Feb. 1, 2026

Calling the eradication of extortion “one of the great challenges” facing Mexico, Sheinbaum pledged to bolster enforcement, stiffen penalties and increase safeguards for anyone receiving threats.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 16, 2025

This leads them to weaken and stiffen over time and usually affects how you walk, talk, eat and breathe.

From BBC • Aug. 19, 2025

Nonetheless, this is an important move that can help stiffen the spines at other schools.

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

Their skin turns pale, their limbs stiffen, at last only their eyes live—stubbornly.

From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque