tighten-v; 4 Senses

Sense Number 1: make a concrete thing tight or tighter

Examples:
Tighten the straps so they don't rub.
As he struggled, the ropes tightened even more.
Harris tightened the lid on the bottle and placed it back in the drawer.

Mappings:
VerbNet: other_cos-45.4
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: tighten.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 2

Sense Number 2: make an abstract thing tight or more restrictive

Examples:
We have tightened the rules on NHS operations so that health tourists now have to pay for treatment.
They tightened security measures to prevent future escapes.
The law tightens the border with the neighboring nation.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: tighten.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3, 4
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
tighten_up 1

Sense Number 3: make something tighter or completely tight

Commentary: Includes: TIGHTEN UP

Examples:
Are there any plans to tighten up on advertising controls?
They tightened up security and access to information.
Is there anything the writer could do to tighten up the scene without cutting out any interesting or important details?
Once the fit is nice and snug, tighten up the screws.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: tighten.02
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
tighten_up 1

Sense Number 4: live frugally and use fewer resources

Commentary: Includes: TIGHTEN ONE'S BELT

Examples:
In the new economy, we all have to learn to tighten our belts.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NP
FrameNet: NP
PropBank: NM
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
tighten_one's_belt 1