harden

/ˈhɑɹdn̩/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: hardens · hardening · hardened

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To become hard.

Verb

Examples

The Chief Medical Officer of London Transport believes that public opinion against smoking will harden to the point of a total bar on the Underground, as in other countries.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To make something hard or harder.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “harden” mean?

To become hard.

Is “harden” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.