What does hardening mean?
Hardening names the process of becoming harder, less flexible, less changeable, or more secure. The word is especially common in technical and medical contexts: metals and concrete harden as they cure or are treated, while arteries may harden with age. In cybersecurity, hardening means reducing vulnerabilities by applying stronger security controls. As a verb form, hardening can describe an action directed at these goals, as in “hardening the defenses,” while as an adjective it can characterize a material, system, or process that is becoming increasingly resistant. Although the basic idea concerns increased hardness, modern usage often emphasizes resistance to attack, damage, or influence rather than literal physical solidity. The word is generally neutral in tone, though discussions of political or personal hardening may suggest emotional defensiveness or rigidity.
The process of becoming hard or of making something hard, more resistant, or more secure.
"The hardening of the steel occurred as the temperature gradually fell."
Often uncountable, though the plural hardenings is occasionally used for separate instances of the process.
The present participle of harden: making or becoming hard, resistant, or secure.
"The organization is hardening its infrastructure against increasingly sophisticated attacks."
Commonly used in technical, medical, and figurative contexts; it is a participial form of harden rather than a distinct lexical verb.
Tending to become hard or to make something harder, more resistant, or more secure.
"The hardening surface resisted abrasion and heavy impact."
Usually used attributively, especially in technical descriptions such as hardening process or hardening technology.
The plural is uncommon. The noun is normally uncountable, but plural forms may refer to distinct instances or processes.
"The report documents the hardenings of several legacy systems."
The same word describes metal becoming difficult to shape and digital systems becoming difficult to attack: both are acts of becoming harder to change.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How hardening is actually used
The noun is often uncountable and can be formal or technical. In medicine, hardening commonly describes the stiffening of tissues or arteries; in computing, it often means strengthening defenses against attacks.