stiffen
/ˈstɪfən/verb
1- make or become stiff or rigid使僵硬; 使挺直：
with obj. he stiffened his knees in an effort to prevent them trembling他挺直膝盖以使之不再颤抖
no obj. my back stiffens up and I can't bend.我的后背僵硬, 因此我弯不下腰。
1.1
- with obj. support or strengthen (a garment or fabric), typically by adding tape or an adhesive layer（通过加布条或粘合层）使（衣服, 织物）变硬挺。
1.2
- figurative make or become stronger or more steadfast〈喻〉使更坚强; 使更坚定：
with obj. outrage over the murders stiffened the government's resolve to confront the Mafia对谋杀的愤怒更加坚定了政府对抗黑手党的决心
no obj. the regime's resistance stiffened.那个政权的抵抗更强了。
派生词