tighten
/ˈtaɪ.tən/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: tightens · tightening · tightened
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To make tighter.
Verb
Examples
Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn.
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 become tighter.
Verb
Examples
That joint is tightening as the wood dries.
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 “tighten” mean?
To make tighter.
Is “tighten” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.