Dec 4, 2016 · The meaning of TIGHTEN is to make tight or tighter. How to use tighten in a sentence.

TIGHTEN meaning: 1. to become tighter or to make something become tighter, firmer, or less easy to move: 2. to…. Learn more.

TIGHTEN definition: to make or become tight or tighter. See examples of tighten used in a sentence.

Dec 14, 2025 · Synchronically equivalent to tight +‎ -en, but actually derived from Middle English tighten, from Old English tyhtan, thus originally unrelated to tight (Old English *þiht).

Idioms tighten one's belt, to respond to difficult times by reducing one's spending: The family had to tighten their belts so the children could go to college. tight•en•er, n. [countable]

1. fitting very or too closely.

Definition of tighten verb in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

If someone in authority tightens a rule, a policy, or a system, they make it stricter or more efficient. The United States plans to tighten the economic sanctions currently in place.

TIGHTEN meaning: 1 : to make (something) tight or tighter or to become tight or tighter; 2 : to become more strict or effective or to make (something) more strict or effective

tighten definition: make something more secure or firm. Check meanings, examples, usage tips, pronunciation, domains, and related words. Discover expressions like "tighten down", "tighten …