(~s, ~ing, ~ed)
1.
If you ~, you stop moving and stand or sit with muscles that are suddenly tense, for example because you feel afraid or angry.
Ada ~ed at the sound of his voice...
VERB: V
2.
If your muscles or joints ~, or if something ~s them, they become difficult to bend or move.
The blood supply to the skin is reduced when muscles ~.
VERB: V, also V n
•
Stiffen up means the same as ~ .
These clothes restrict your freedom of movement and ~ up the whole body...
PHRASAL VERB: V P n (not pron)
3.
If something such as cloth is ~ed, it is made firm so that it does not bend easily.
This special paper was actually thin, soft Sugiwara paper that had been ~ed with a kind of paste...
VERB: usu passive, be V-ed