harden
v
1
(a) [I, Tn] (cause sth to) become hard, strong, unyielding, etc (使某事物)變硬、 變堅強、 變堅定等
The varnish takes a few minutes to harden. 清漆幾分鐘就能變硬.
Attitudes to the strike have hardened on both sides. 雙方對罷工所持的態度更加強硬了.
For her own good, you must harden your heart, ie not allow yourself to show love, pity, etc. 替她著想, 你不能心軟(不要流露自己的愛、 同情等).
(b) [esp passive 尤用於被動語態
Tn, Tn.pr]
~ sb (to sth) make sb less sensitive (to sth) 使某人(對某事)麻木不仁或毫不在乎
a hardened criminal, ie one who shows no sign of shame or repentance 怙惡不悛的罪犯
He became hardened to the suffering around him. 他對周圍的苦難現象已經見怪不怪了.
2 (phr v) harden (sth) off (cause young plants, esp seedlings to) become strong enough for planting outside (使幼小植物, 尤指幼苗)增強耐受能力以備露天種植.