# tightening

/ˈtaɪtənɪŋ/ (US) · /tˈaɪtənɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tightening
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the act of making something more firm, closed, or strict. You might hear this when talking about rules or physical objects.

For teachers: the process of making something more secure, restrictive, or less loose. Often refers to the implementation of stricter controls or the physical reduction of slack.

## Examples

- The tightening of the screws made the chair stable.
- The government announced a tightening of border controls to improve national security.
- Economists predict that a further tightening of monetary policy will be necessary to curb rising inflation rates before the end of the fiscal year.

## Usage notes

- Often followed by the preposition 'of' to indicate what is being made stricter or firmer.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.