hardened

[ˈhɑːdn̩d]

[ˈhɑɹdn̩d]

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harden

An object or person becomes hardened when it's made stronger and more resistant through some process.

When we talk about something being hardened, usually it means that it's become tougher because of heat, cold, or chemicals. Think of a knife getting harder as its metal is heated and molded - now it won't bend easily anymore! If you put food in the fridge for too long, it might get hardened - either by freezing or going bad.

The word "hardened" can also be used to describe people who have become more severe or cruel over time. For example, someone might say that a person has hardened their heart towards others after being hurt many times. In this case, the person is no longer able to feel emotions as deeply as they once did.

How common is "hardened"?

Word hardened is considered rare in modern English.
It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.

Definitions

verb

To become hard (tough, resistant to pressure).
To make something hard or harder (tough, resistant to pressure).
To strengthen.
To modify (a website or other system) to make it resistant to malicious attacks.
To become or make (a person or thing) resistant or less sensitive.
To become or make (a consonant) more fortis.

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inure

adjective

Unfeeling or lacking emotion due to experience; callous.
Example: The bloody scene could reduce even the most hardened soldier to tears.
Firmly established or unlikely to change; inveterate.
Having extra defences against attack; highly fortified.
Example: a hardened air base

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Real examples of "hardened" in context

Gordon Ramsay Savagely Critiques Spicy Wings | Hot Ones

Interview

some of the mentors that helped shape Gordon Ramsay into this battle-hardened perfectionist

5:49