hardened

/ˈhɑːdn̩d/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Made physically hard.

Adjective

Examples

hardened steel

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

Having been accustomed or desensitized to something unpleasant through exposure or experience; inured.

Adjective

Examples

hardened police officers

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).

Common questions

What does “hardened” mean?

Made physically hard.

Is “hardened” formal or informal?

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