stiffen

/ˈstɪfən/

Syllables stiff·en

Stress STIFF-en

Phonics Breakdown

stiff

/stɪf/

short i

en

/ən/

schwa

Meaning

to make or become firm, rigid, or less flexible

Sound Reference

💡

stiff=/stɪf/(stiff) + en=/ən/(open)

Example

Cold weather can stiffen your muscles.