1. to make or become harsh, rough, or severe

Examples

• The cold wind will harshen your skin if you don’t wear gloves.
• Years of smoking had harshened his voice considerably.
• The teacher’s tone harshened when the students wouldn’t listen.
• Winter weather tends to harshen the landscape.
• His criticism harshened after the third mistake.
• The fabric will harshen if you wash it in hot water.