stiffen up
When your body becomes hard to move or bend, especially after sitting still or being cold.
Meanings
For muscles or joints to become painful and difficult to move, typically after inactivity, exercise, or cold.
"After sitting at the desk all day, my back had completely stiffened up."
To become tense or rigid in posture or manner, often due to nervousness or formality.
"She stiffened up when her boss walked into the room."
For resolve, opposition, or resistance to become stronger and more determined.
"The government's harsh response only stiffened up opposition to the new law."
Most commonly intransitive, referring to muscles, joints, or the body. Can also be transitive when referring to making something more rigid. Also used figuratively for attitudes or resolve hardening.
Commonly used with
Forms
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