tighten

pronunciation

How to pronounce tighten in British English: UK [ˈtaɪtn] word uk audio image

How to pronounce tighten in American English: US [ˈtaɪtn] word us audio image

Verb:

make tight or tighter
become tight or tighter
restrict
narrow or limit

Word Origin

tighten (v.): "to make tight," 1727; the earlier verb was simply tight, from Old English tyhtan, from the root of tight. Related: Tightened; tightening.

Synonym

v.

tauten stutch stiffen tense

v.

lock up anchor firm close secure fast tie fix make lace fasten

v.

screw contract together choke crush compress squeeze down force press in constrict

Antonym

vt. & vi.

Example

1. When the outlook improves , we will tighten .

2. Tighten too late and inflation might take off .

3. Countries with bans already in place will tighten restrictions .

4. Tighten the lid securely so that liquid and vapors will be contained .

5. And these rules may also tighten soon .

more: >How to Use "tighten" with Example Sentences