HARDENED definition: 1. used to describe someone who has had a lot of bad experiences and as a result no longer gets…. Learn more.

HARDENED definition: made or become hard or harder. See examples of hardened used in a sentence.

If you describe someone as hardened, you mean that they have had so much experience of something bad or unpleasant that they are no longer affected by it in the way that other people …

Dec 5, 2016 · : to protect from blast, heat, or radiation (as by a thick barrier or placement underground) : to become hard or harder. Her face hardened at the thought. The presence of …

to (cause to) become pitiless, unfeeling, or less gentle and sympathetic: [no object] His heart hardened with anger. [~ + object] His cruel life had hardened his heart.

Definition of harden verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. [intransitive, transitive] to become or make something become solid or stiff. The varnish takes a few hours to harden. …

Nov 11, 2025 · Firmly established in a behavior seen as bad; unlikely to change one's ways; inveterate. (computing, military) Having extra defences against attack; highly fortified.

If you become hardened to something, you are no longer saddened or shocked when you see or experience it. New doctors quickly become hardened to the terrible injuries suffered by …

Synonyms for HARDENED: sturdy, hardy, strong, rugged, tough, stout, vigorous, toughened; Antonyms of HARDENED: weak, soft, delicate, tender, worn, weakened, wasted, enfeebled

The judge called him a hardened criminal (= one who will not stop his criminal activity).