Origin: 1150–1200; Middle English; see hard, -en1 Related formshard·en·a·ble, adjective
hard·en·a·bil·i·ty, noun
o·ver·hard·en, verb
pre·hard·en, verb (used with object)
re·hard·en, verb
EXPANDun·hard·en, verb (used with object)
un·hard·en·a·ble, adjective
COLLAPSESynonyms
1. solidify, indurate; petrify, ossify. 4. fortify, steel, brace, nerve.
Antonyms
1. soften. 4. weaken.