ALL meanings of tighten
tight·en
T t - transitive verb tighten make more snug or secure 1
- transitive verb tighten rules, etc.: make stricter 1
- intransitive verb tighten become tighter 1
- intransitive verb tighten person: become tense 1
- verb tighten If a part of your body tightens, the muscles in it become tense and stiff, for example because you are angry or afraid. 0
- verb tighten If someone in authority tightens a rule, a policy, or a system, they make it stricter or more efficient. 0
- verb tighten to make or become tight or tighter 0
- verb tighten If you tighten your grip on something, or if your grip tightens, you hold the thing more firmly or securely. 0
- verb tighten If you tighten a rope or chain, or if it tightens, it is stretched or pulled hard until it is straight. 0
- verb tighten If a government or organization tightens its grip on a group of people or an activity, or if its grip tightens, it begins to have more control over it. 0
- verb tighten When you tighten a screw, nut, or other device, you turn it or move it so that it is more firmly in place or holds something more firmly. 0
- verb tighten Tighten up means the same as tighten. 0