WordLens

harden

1 of 1verb
/ˈhɑr.dən/
Forms:hardens,hardening,hardened,hardened
1

to increase firmness or solidity of something

transitive
  • The painter used a fixative to harden the layers of charcoal on the canvas.
  • The sculptor applied a sealant to harden and protect the clay sculpture.
  • The blacksmith used a quenching process to harden the metal.
  • The potter fired the ceramics in the kiln to harden them into durable pieces.
Synonyms:
solidifyindurateconcrete
Antonyms:
soften
2

to increase in firmness or solidity

  • The concrete began to harden as it cured, gradually transforming from a liquid state to a solid structure.
  • Over time, the clay sculpture hardened under the sculptor's skilled hands.
  • After baking in the oven, the cookie dough hardened into crispy, golden-brown treats.
  • The plaster cast hardened around the broken bone, providing stability and support during the healing process.
  • As the metal cooled, the molten iron hardened into solid bars, ready to be shaped and forged.
Synonyms:
indurate
Antonyms:
soften
3

to make accustomed or less sensitive to unfavorable conditions

transitive
  • Exposure to extreme temperatures can harden plants, enabling them to thrive in arid or cold climates.
  • The explorer's expeditions into remote regions had hardened him to solitude and isolation.
  • Soldiers undergo rigorous training to harden them to the rigors of combat and the unpredictable nature of warfare.
  • Living in poverty can harden individuals to financial instability.
  • The gardener hardened the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.
Synonyms:
season
4

to make someone's attitude or feelings less sympathetic

transitive
  • Continuous exposure to violence in the media can harden individuals to the suffering of others.
  • The politician's divisive rhetoric serves to harden the hearts of his supporters against those with differing political views.
  • The constant criticism from his parents began to harden his attitude towards authority figures.
  • Living in a society that values competition over collaboration can harden individuals.
  • The anonymity of online interactions can harden individuals.
Synonyms:
indurateinure