tightens

Tightens is the third-person singular present tense form of the verb tighten. It describes the act of making something more tight, secure, or firm, or of making a rule or condition stricter. The term is used across domains from mechanical work to policy, often implying added force, friction, or restriction.

In mechanical contexts, someone tightens a bolt, nut, or screw to increase clamping force and reduce movement. Tightening is typically guided by torque specifications and can use tools like wrenches and torque wrenches. Improper tightening can cause damage through over-tightening or failure from under-tightening.

In clothing and textiles, tightens refers to adjusting components such as belts, drawstrings, or laces to secure fit. In piping or plumbing, tightening joints prevents leaks.

In politics and economics, the phrase tightens is used in statements that a policy is made more restrictive, as in tightening monetary policy or tightening regulations. Figuratively, the term can describe increasing discipline or enforcement in various systems.

Linguistically, tightens is pronounced /ˈtaɪ.tənz/ and ends with an -s that is typically pronounced as a /z/ sound. It derives from the adjective tight plus the suffix -en, forming a verb.