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