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

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2025

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

From Salon • Apr. 16, 2025

He worried most about his shooting, that his touch would desert him, that his fingers would stiffen, and that the coach’s eye would fix on him every time he missed a shot.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy