endurecer

Senses

1. 1.

   to harden

   to make or become hard or firm

2. 2.

   to toughen

   to make someone emotionally stronger or less sensitive

3. 3.

   to stiffen

   to become rigid or inflexible

Examples

• "O cimento vai endurecer em algumas horas."

  The cement will harden in a few hours.

• "A vida na rua endureceu o coração dele."

  Life on the streets hardened his heart.

• "Meus músculos endureceram depois do treino intenso."

  My muscles stiffened after the intense workout.

Usage

Common verb used both literally (for materials, muscles) and figuratively (for emotions, attitudes). Often appears in the reflexive form "endurecer-se". The figurative use frequently collocates with "coração" (heart), "postura" (stance), or "atitude" (attitude).