tigh
ten
Third Person
tightens
Present Participle
tightening
Past Tense
tightened
Past Participle
tightened
1
to hold, fasten, or turn something firmly
transitive
- She tightened her grip on the handlebars as she rode over the bumpy terrain.
- He used a wrench to tighten the bolts on the machine.
- As the storm approached, he hurried to tighten the ropes securing the tent.
- She tightened the straps of her backpack before setting off on the hike.
- He tightened the lid on the jar to keep the contents fresh.
Synonyms:
2
to become more firm, secure, or constricted
- As the screws were turned, the grip of the vice tightened, securing the workpiece in place.
- The knot in the rope gradually tightened as he pulled it, making it more difficult to untie.
- With anxiety gripping her, she felt her chest tighten, making it difficult to breathe.
- The lid of the jar tightened as it cooled, sealing the contents inside to preserve freshness.
- The fabric of the shirt tightened around his chest as he flexed his muscles.
3
to impose restriction or implementing measures to increase effectiveness
transitive
- The company decided to tighten its budgetary constraints to improve financial discipline and reduce expenses.
- In an effort to combat cheating, the school administration tightened its examination procedures.
- To enhance security, the airport authorities tightened screening procedures.
- In response to the pandemic, the city council tightened restrictions on public gatherings to curb the spread of the virus.
- Facing increased competition, the restaurant tightened its quality control measures to ensure consistency in food preparation.
Synonyms: