tighten

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Verb 1.3.1 Antonyms 1.3.2 Derived terms 1.3.3 Related terms 1.3.4 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Old English tyhtan.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /ˈtaɪ.tən/, SAMPA: /"taI.t@n/
• Rhymes: -aɪtən

[edit] Verb

to tighten (third-person singular simple present tightens, present participle tightening, simple past and past participle tightened)

1. To make tighter.

   Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn.

2. 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.

[edit] Antonyms

• (make tighter): loosen

[edit] Derived terms

• tightener

[edit] Related terms

• tight

[edit] Translations