tighten

Word parts

tight + -en

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˈtaɪ.tən/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˈtaɪ.tən/ or [ˈtʰaɪ̯.ʔn̩]

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form tighten

Third-person singular tightens

Past tense tightened

Past participle tightened

Present participle tightening

1. (transitive & intransitive) If you tighten something, you make it tighter.
   • Antonym: loosen

   Can you tighten the lid on the jar so it doesn't leak?

   His hands tightened when he heard the terrible news.

Related words

• tight