Tighten

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈtaɪ.tÉ™n/
• Rhymes: -aɪtÉ™n

Origin

Equivalent to tight + -en. From Old English tyhtan, from the root of tight.

Full definition of tighten

Verb

1. (transitive) To make tighter.Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn.
• FawkesJust where I please, with tightened rein
  I'll urge thee round the dusty plain.
2. (intransitive) To become tighter.That joint is tightening as the wood dries.
3. (economics) To make money harder to borrow or obtain.If the government doesn't tighten the money supply, inflation is certain to be harsh.
4. (economics) To raise short-term interest rates.The Fed is expected to tighten by a quarter-point.

Antonyms

• (make tighter) loosen

Derived terms

• retighten
• tighten one's belt
• tighten the purse strings
• tightener

Related terms

• tight