tighten

verb4

1. •
   To make tighter.

   • Please tighten that screw a quarter-turn.
2. •
   To become tighter.

   • That joint is tightening as the wood dries.
3. •
   To make money harder to borrow or obtain.

   • If the government doesn't tighten the money supply, inflation is certain to be harsh.
4. •
   To raise short-term interest rates.

   • The Fed is expected to tighten by a quarter-point.