stiffen
['stɪf.ən] verb
FIRM 僵硬
intransitive
■to become firm or more difficult to bend 变僵硬；变得不易弯曲•Beat the cream until it begins to stiffen (= become firm).将鲜奶油搅至稠糊状。 •His body stiffened in fear.他吓得身体发僵。
['stɪf.ən] verb
LESS RELAXED 拘谨
intransitive
■to become less relaxed and more formal 变生硬，变得拘谨•She stiffened when her former husband walked into the room.她的前夫走进房间时，她变得拘谨起来。
['stɪf.ən] verb
MORE SEVERE 更严厉
intransitive or transitive
■to make something stronger or more difficult 加强；（使）变得严厉；（使）变得艰难•These events have stiffened our resolve to succeed.这些事件增强了我们争取成功的决心。 •Penalties for selling illegal drugs have been stiffened.对贩卖毒品的处罚加重了。 •Stiffening competition in the market has led to a reduction in the company's profits this year.市场日趋激烈的竞争导致公司今年利润下降。 |