tighten
verb [ I or T ] uk/ˈtaɪ.tən/ us/ˈtaɪ.tən/
B2 （使）变紧，（使）紧固
to become tighter or to make something become tighter, firmer, or less easy to move
Tighten the straps so they don't rub. 把带子拉紧，这样它们就不会相互磨擦了。
As he struggled, the ropes tightened even more. 他越挣扎绳子就勒得越紧。
- More examples
- Carefully tighten the clamp until it firmly supports the pipette in a vertical position.
- I tightened the knots and prepared to descend.
- If we tighten the rope, it might reach across.
- The dry atmosphere tightens my skin.
Idioms
tighten your beltidiom C2 勒紧裤带，省吃俭用
to spend less money than you did before because you have less money
I've had to tighten my belt since I stopped working full-time. 自从我停止全职工作以来，就不得不勒紧裤带过日子。
tighten the netidiom （尤指警方）收拢（抓捕罪犯的）网
(especially of the police) to become closer to catching someone, especially a criminal
The police are tightening the net around the smugglers. 警方逐渐缩小包围圈，逼近走私人员。
Phrasal verbs
tighten something up 使变紧，使紧固
to make something become tighter, firmer, or less easy to move
Now tighten up the screws. 现在拧紧螺丝。
tighten (something) up 使（规则、制度、法律）更严格
to make a rule, system, or law stronger and more difficult to avoid or ignore
Are there any plans to tighten up on advertising controls? 有计划加强对广告的监管吗？