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

To tighten something is to draw it snug or squeeze it. Your cousin's crazy driving may cause you to tighten your seatbelt and close your eyes.