harden
verb /ˈhɑːdn/
/ˈhɑːrdn/
Verb Forms
| present simple I / you / we / they harden | /ˈhɑːdn/ /ˈhɑːrdn/ |
| he / she / it hardens | /ˈhɑːdnz/ /ˈhɑːrdnz/ |
| past simple hardened | /ˈhɑːdnd/ /ˈhɑːrdnd/ |
| past participle hardened | /ˈhɑːdnd/ /ˈhɑːrdnd/ |
| -ing form hardening | /ˈhɑːdnɪŋ/ /ˈhɑːrdnɪŋ/ |
- [intransitive, transitive] to become or make something become solid or stiff
- The varnish takes a few hours to harden.
- harden something a method for hardening and preserving wood
Extra Examples- Leave the icing to harden in the fridge.
- When the paint has hardened thoroughly, you can apply the next coat.
- [intransitive, transitive] if your voice, face, etc. hardens, or you harden it, it becomes more serious or severe
- Her face hardened into an expression of hatred.
- harden something He hardened his voice when he saw she wasn't listening.
- His expression suddenly hardened into one of strong dislike.
- [intransitive, transitive] if somebody’s feelings or attitudes harden or somebody/something hardens them, they become more fixed and determined
- Public attitudes to the strike have hardened.
- Their suspicions hardened into certainty.
- Opinion seems to be hardening against the invasion.
- harden something The incident hardened her resolve to leave the company.
- [transitive] harden somebody/something/yourself to make somebody less kind or less affected by extreme situations
- Joe sounded different, hardened by the war.
- They were hardened criminals (= they showed no regret for their crimes).
- In this job you have to harden your heart to pain and suffering.
- Life has hardened me.
- I need to harden myself against disappointment.