tighten

/tˈa‍ɪtən/

/ˈtaɪtən/

to tighten

MAIN VERB

to hold, fasten, or turn something firmly

synonyms : fasten

become tight or tighter

severely restrict in scope or extent

synonyms : constrain

narrow or limit

synonyms : reduce

Examples

1. During the recession, many families had to tighten their belts and cut back on unnecessary expenses.

2. I need to tighten the bolt on the bicycle wheel.

3. Great job on the win, but after victory, tighten your helmet chord and stay focused for the rest of the season.

4. The government announced austerity measures, urging citizens to tighten their belts for the nation's economic recovery.