tightens;
tightened;
tightening
tightens;
tightened;
tightening
Britannica Dictionary definition of TIGHTEN
:
to make (something) tight or tighter or to become tight or tighter
[+ object]
[no object]
tighten the noose
—
see noose
tighten the screws
—
see 1screw
tighten up
[phrasal verb]
tighten up
or
tighten (something) up
or
tighten up (something)
:
to become more strict or effective or to make (something) more strict or effective
-
Security around the building has tightened up recently.
-
They tightened up security around the building.
-
We installed new machines to tighten up the assembly line.
tighten your belt
—
see 1belt