The term STIFFENS can be broken down into five different words: GIRDS (5 letters), STARCHES (8 letters), TENSES (6 letters), STEELS (6 letters), and TENSESUP (8 letters). GIRDS is a verb meaning to support or brace with a band or girdle. STARCHES is a verb meaning to treat with starch in order to stiffen. TENSES is a verb meaning to make or become tight or taut. STEELS is a verb meaning to make or become hard or resolute. TENSESUP is a verb meaning to make or become more tense. All of these words are related to the term STIFFENS, which is a verb meaning to make or become stiff or rigid.