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Definition of hardened

hardened

/ˈhɑːr.dənd/
hard · ened
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hardened Lexical Profile

hardened Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Having become or been made tough, unfeeling, or accustomed to harsh experiences, wrongdoing, or suffering.

Example

"Even the most hardened journalists were visibly moved by the survivors' testimonies."

2

Having become or been made physically firm, solid, rigid, or resistant to pressure or wear.

Example

"The sculptor used a chisel to chip away at the hardened clay."

3

Reinforced or configured to withstand physical damage, environmental extremes, or security breaches.

Example

"The data center relies on hardened servers to prevent unauthorized network intrusion."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for hardened

• Nearby Words

hardcover
harden
hardenbergia
hardened
hardener
hardhat
hardhead catfish

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed as the past participle of the verb 'harden', which arose in Middle English from Old English 'heard' (hard, firm, severe) combined with the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

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