Meaning of the word tighten in English

What does tighten mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

tighten

US /ˈtaɪ.tən/

UK /ˈtaɪ.tən/

make or become tight or tighter

Example:

•

Please tighten the screws on this chair.

•

The rope began to tighten around his wrist.

Synonym:

fasten secure clench contract constrict

Synonym:

loosen relax slack untighten unfasten

make or become more strict or severe

Example:

•

The government decided to tighten border controls.

•

The company needs to tighten its financial policies.

Synonym:

strengthen reinforce intensify harden firm up

Synonym:

relax loosen ease soften liberalize

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Related Word:

belt-tightening tighten up