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Definition of harden

harden

/ˈhɑːr.dən/
hard · en
Adjective:hardened
•
Past Simple:hardened
•
Past Participle:hardened
•
Present Participle:hardening
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harden Lexical Profile

harden Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become firmer, stiffer, or more solid.

Example

"Allow the melted chocolate to cool and harden completely before slicing the dessert."

2

To make or become tougher, less sympathetic, or more resolute in attitude, character, or feeling.

Example

"Years of navigating difficult negotiations had begun to harden her approach to business."

3

To become more stable or cease to fluctuate downward (of financial prices, currencies, or market rates).

Example

"Commodity prices began to harden in the third quarter following stronger global demand."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for harden
Antonyms
View all antonyms for harden

• Rhymes for harden

• Nearby Words

hardcore
hardcourt
hardcover
harden
hardenbergia
hardened
hardener

Word Origin & Etymology

Developed in Middle English as hardnen, formed by combining the Old English adjective heard ('solid, firm, severe') with the verbal suffix -en.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Harden. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/harden
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