To make something hard or solid; to harden or compact (e.g. soil, snow, gel).
工事現場で重機を使って土を固めた。
We used heavy machinery at the construction site to compact the soil.
ゼラチンを冷蔵庫で固めてデザートを作る。
I set the gelatin in the fridge to make the dessert firm.
雪が踏まれて氷のように固まっている。
The snow has been trampled and become hard like ice.
To collect, consolidate, or bring together things such as information, people, or ideas.
会議の前に資料を固めておいてください。
Please gather and organize the materials before the meeting.
企画の内容をチームで固めてから上司に提出した。
We finalized the project plan as a team before submitting it to our boss.
選手を数名に固めて陣形を変えた。
We concentrated a few players and changed the formation.
To make something secure or settled, such as strengthening a decision, belief, or evidence.
彼は留学する決意を固めた。
He firmed up his decision to study abroad.
警察は逮捕に十分な証拠を固めてから動いた。
The police acted only after solidifying enough evidence for an arrest.
意見が分かれていたが、話し合って方針を固めた。
Opinions had been divided, but after discussion we settled on a policy.
To fortify, reinforce, or strengthen defenses or support (e.g. border defenses, lines of argument).
国境の警備を固めるために部隊を増やした。
They increased troop numbers to strengthen border security.
彼は嘘で説明を固めようとしたが、矛盾が出てしまった。
He tried to shore up his explanation with lies, but contradictions emerged.
チームは守備を固めてカウンターを狙った。
The team tightened their defense and aimed for a counterattack.
To outfit or arm oneself for a particular purpose (used as に身をかためる), e.g. putting on armor or protective clothing.
戦場に出る前に兵士たちは鎧に身を固めた。
Before going to the battlefield, the soldiers donned their armor.
登山するのでしっかり防寒具に身を固めた。
Since we were climbing, we put on warm gear and prepared ourselves.
To swear or solemnly vow; to make a firm promise or resolve.
彼女は二度と嘘をつかないと心に固めた。
She vowed in her heart never to lie again.
復讐を果たすことを固めた彼は、計画を練り始めた。
Having sworn to take revenge, he began to plan.
To tie or fasten something tightly (e.g. securing cargo with rope).
荷物が動かないようロープで固めておいた。
I lashed the luggage with rope so it wouldn't move.
包帯で傷口を固めて出血を止めた。
I secured the wound with a bandage to stop the bleeding.
To draw a bow fully (an archery term meaning to hold the bow fully drawn).
射場で彼は矢を番え、弓を固めてから放った。
At the range he nocked the arrow, drew the bow fully, and released.