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Strengthen vs Stiffen - What's the difference?

strengthen | stiffen | Related terms |

In transitive terms the difference between strengthen and stiffen

is that strengthen is to augment; to improve; to intensify while stiffen is to make stiff.

In intransitive terms the difference between strengthen and stiffen

is that strengthen is to grow strong or stronger while stiffen is to become stiff.

strengthen

English

Verb

(en verb)
  • (lb) To make strong or stronger; to add strength to; to increase the strength of; to fortify; to reinforce.
  • :
  • *(William Shakespeare) (c.1564–1616)
  • *:Let noble Warwick, Cobham, and the rest,/ With powerful policy strengthen themselves.
  • *1851 , Anonymous, Arthur Hamilton, and His Dog
  • *:A little hardship, and a little struggling with the rougher elements of life, will perchance but strengthen and increase his courage, and prepare him for the conflicts and struggles of after years.
  • (lb) To animate; to give moral strength to; to encourage; to fix in resolution; to hearten.
  • *(Bible), (w) iii. 28
  • *:Charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him.
  • *
  • *:"A fine man, that Dunwody, yonder," commented the young captain, as they parted, and as he turned to his prisoner. "We'll see him on in Washington some day. He is strengthening his forces now against Mr. Benton out there.."
  • (lb) To augment; to improve; to intensify.
  • (lb) To grow strong or stronger.
  • Antonyms

    * atrophy

    Derived terms

    * strengthener

    stiffen

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To make stiff.
  • To become stiff.