tightens

Verb

tighten (third-person singular simple present tightens, present participle tightening, simple past and past participle tightened)

1. (transitive) To make tighter.
   • Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn.
2. (intransitive) To become tighter.
   • That joint is tightening as the wood dries.
3. To make money harder to borrow or obtain.
   • If the government doesn't tighten the money supply, inflation is certain to be harsh.
4. To raise short-term interest rates.
   • The Fed is expected to tighten by a quarter-point.