Retightens

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To make something more secure or firm by tightening it again; to reapply tension to an object previously loosened; to reinforce stability by adjusting fastenings once more
2. The act of restoring firmness or tautness to an item by pulling or fixing it tighter a second time; to strengthen grip or hold by readjusting loosened parts; to enhance security by repeating tightening measures
3. To increase the tension or strength of a connection after it has slackened; to firmly re-secure something that has become loose; to improve steadiness by applying force once again to a previously tightened component

Etymology: "Retightens" is the third-person singular present form of "retighten," so it describes someone or something that tightens again. The verb is a straightforward compound: the prefix "re-," meaning again, attached to "tighten." "Tighten" itself is built on "tight," an English adjective of older origin, with the suffix "-en" that turns adjectives into verbs meaning to make something a certain way. Put together, "retighten" means to make something tight once more after it has loosened.

Synonyms: tightens, secures, fastens, strengthens, reinforces

Antonyms: loosens, releases, weakens, unfastens, relaxes