harden

verb

US /ˈhɑrd(ə)n/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	harden
he/she/it	hardens
present participle	hardening
past tense	hardened
past participle	hardened

1
intransitive/transitive to become hard or firm, or to make something hard or firm
This additive hardens the cement in an hour.
The bread will harden if you don’t cover it.
Synonyms and related words
To change consistency - general words
atomize
bake
boil
2
transitive mainly literaryto make someone become less affected or upset by unpleasant things so that they show less kindness or sympathy to other people
harden someone to something:
Years of reporting on wars hardened them to human suffering.
Synonyms and related words
To have an effect on someone’s emotions or attitudes
influence
decide
lead to
1. 2a
  intransitive if your expression or voice hardens, you begin to look or sound unfriendly
  His eyes hardened when he saw her.
  Synonyms and related words
  To show, or to be expressed in the face or eyes
  clear
  crease
  creep
  Synonyms and related words
  What voices can do
  break
  choke
  crack
3
intransitive/transitive to become strong, to make someone or something strong
The soldiers have been hardened by months in the field.
Synonyms and related words
To become, or to make something stronger
strengthen
intensify
invigorate
4
intransitive/transitive if you harden your attitude, or if it hardens, you refuse to change it
Their position is hardening.
Forsyth appeared to have hardened his line on (=his attitude toward) Europe.
Synonyms and related words
To not change, or to refuse to change your opinion
hold to
remain
have the courage of your (own) convictions

phrases

harden your heart

harden ​‌

harden ​‌

harden

harden