harden
hard·en
verb \ˈhär-dən\hard·enedhard·en·ing\ˈhärd-niŋ, ˈhär-dən-iŋ\
Definition of HARDEN
transitive verb
1
: to make hard or harder
2
: to confirm in disposition, feelings, or action; especially : to make callous <hardened his heart>
3
4
: to protect from blast, heat, or radiation (as by a thick barrier or placement underground)
intransitive verb
1
: to become hard or harder
2
a : to become firm, stable, or settled b : to assume an appearance of harshness or severity <her face hardened at the thought>
3
: to become gradually acclimatized to unfavorable conditions —often used with off <plants hardened off before the first frost>
See Examples of HARDEN
- The presence of certain substances in the blood can cause the arteries to harden.
- These additives are designed to harden the steel.
- substances that can harden the arteries
- Opposition to the goverment has hardened as news of further scandals has leaked out.
- The news has hardened opposition to the government.
- He had been hardened by his years of military service.
First Known Use of HARDEN
13th century
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Previous Word in the Dictionary: hard–edged
All Words Near: harden
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