Meaning & Definition of word "Hardening"

Hardening

/ˈhɑːrdənɪŋ/

noun:

  • 1. The process of becoming hard or more solid.
    • Example: The hardening of concrete is crucial for the strength of the structure.
  • 2. The act or process of making something more resilient or difficult to damage.
    • Example: The hardening of policies is necessary to protect against cyber threats.
  • 3. The process by which metals are treated to increase their hardness.
    • Example: The hardening of steel through heat treatment significantly improves its durability.

verb:

  • 1. To make or become hard or firmer.
    • Example: The sun caused the clay to harden quickly.
  • 2. To strengthen or reinforce against failure.
    • Example: We need to harden our defenses to prevent breaches.

Etymology

From the verb 'harden', combining the suffix '-ing' to denote the action or process.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hardening of the arteries:

A medical condition characterized by the stiffening of blood vessels.

hardening off:

The process of acclimatizing plants to outdoor conditions.

hardening the resolve:

To make someone's determination more firm or unwavering.

Related Words

harden:

To make or become hard or harder.

hardened:

Made hard or tougher; often used in a figurative sense to describe emotional or psychological resilience.

Slang Meanings of hardening