verb
tighten
TEYE-tuhn
verb
1
To make something tighter, firmer, or more secure.
"He tightened the bolts on the bicycle wheel."
"The rope tightened as the boat drifted away from the dock."
2
To make rules, controls, or financial conditions stricter or more restrictive.
"The government tightened border security after the incident."
"Banks tightened lending after the crisis."
How to Use Tighten
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo make something more secure, strict, or firm.
Common pairings
tighten a screw
tighten security
tighten your belt
Word Forms
tightened past tense, tightens singular
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He _____ the bolts on the bicycle wheel.
Etymology
From "tight" plus the verb-forming suffix "-en," though the word actually developed independently from an Old English verb related to pulling or drawing.