Definition and meaning of stiff

stiff (adj.)

1.devoid of feeling for others"an unfeeling wretch"

2.very drunk

3.incapable of or resistant to bending"a rigid strip of metal" "a table made of rigid plastic" "a palace guardsman stiff as a poker" "stiff hair" "a stiff neck"

4.of a collar; standing up rather than folded down"an uncomfortable standup collar" "a stiff collar"

5.lacking ease in bending; not limber"a stiff neck" "stiff joints" "stiff hairs"

6.rigidly formal"a starchy manner" "the letter was stiff and formal" "his prose has a buckram quality"

7.not moving or operating freely"a stiff hinge"

8.powerful"a stiff current" "a stiff breeze"

9.unkind or cruel or uncivil"had harsh words" "a harsh and unlovable old tyrant" "a rough answer"

10.having a strong physiological or chemical effect"a potent toxin" "potent liquor" "a potent cup of tea" "a stiff drink"

11.marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable"firm convictions" "a firm mouth" "steadfast resolve" "a man of unbendable perseverence" "unwavering loyalty"

12.relatively dense in consistency"thick cream" "thick soup" "thick smoke" "thick fog"

13.not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure"a difficult task" "nesting places on the cliffs are difficult of access" "difficult times" "why is it so hard for you to keep a secret?"

stiff (adv.)

1.in a stiff manner"his hands lay stiffly"

2.extremely"bored stiff" "frightened stiff"

stiff (n.)

1.the dead body of a human being"the cadaver was intended for dissection" "the end of the police search was the discovery of a corpse" "the murderer confessed that he threw the stiff in the river" "honor comes to bless the turf that wraps their cl..."

2.an ordinary man"a lucky stiff" "a working stiff"