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Definition of tighten

tighten

/ˈtaɪ.tən/
tight · en
Adverb:tightly
•
Adjective:tight
•
Past Simple:tightened
•
Past Participle:tightened
•
Present Participle:tightening
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tighten Lexical Profile

tighten Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become tight, taut, or firmly fixed.

Example

"Please use a wrench to tighten the loose bolts on the bicycle frame."

2

To make or become stricter, more rigorous, or more closely controlled (of rules, security, or finances).

Example

"The central bank decided to tighten credit policies in an effort to curb inflation."

3

To contract, narrow, or become constricted (especially of muscles, features, or a passage).

Example

"His jaw began to tighten as he listened to the frustrating news."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for tighten

• Rhymes for tighten

• Nearby Words

tight
tightass
tightassed
tighten
tightener
tightfisted
tightfistedness

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the early 18th century from the adjective 'tight' combined with the verbal suffix '-en'. The root 'tight' traces back to Middle English 'thight' (dense, solid), of Germanic and Old Norse origin.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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