tighten up

phrasal verb

tightened up; tightening up; tightens up
: to become more strict or effective or to make (something) more strict or effective
Security around the building has tightened up recently.
They tightened up security around the building.

Examples of tighten up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In three chances against Angels starter Tyler Anderson, the Giants’ center fielder lined a single, drew a walk and ripped a double before being lifted for a pinch-runner in his first game back since his left hamstring tightened up on him. Evan Webeck, The Mercury News, 20 Mar. 2024 The freedom evaporated in the second as Arizona started getting the ball to Ballo and tightening up on defense. John Marshall, USA TODAY, 5 Feb. 2024 On the other end of that data, there must be a person who can act upon findings to tighten up security protocols. Melissa Russell, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Because the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is working on tightening up its reporting requirements in the U.S. Michelle Bogan, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 That hasn't happened in a handful of games against power conference foes, although the Tigers have appeared to tighten up those areas in lopsided victories over Alabama and Arkansas this past week. Brett Martel, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2024 Things feel a bit sweaty and effortful, especially in the early going — not the finest quality in a farce, though the cast may well settle into the show and tighten up its rhythms. Trey Graham, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 The team has spent the past three weeks working out the kinks, tightening up holes on the defensive side, and bolstering its roster. Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 The Chiefs know how to handle themselves on the big stage and the Bills Mafia will tighten up if Kansas City jumps out to an early lead. Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 19 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tighten up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Dictionary Entries Near tighten up

Cite this Entry

“Tighten up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tighten%20up. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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