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

This leads the muscles to weaken and stiffen over time and ultimately impacts how you walk, talk, eat and breathe.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

The effort to scrap the provision to stiffen penalties drew sweeping criticism from the governor and on social media.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2025

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

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

Or how my tongue would tie in the initial attempts, stiffen so, struggle like an animal booby-trapped and dying inside my head.

From "Native Speaker" by Chang-rae Lee