1. to harden; to freeze; to strengthen; to solidify; to make (a fist); to tramp down (snow, dirt)
いつの間にか両の拳がぎゅっと握り固められていた。Before I knew it, both my fists had been tightly clenched.
2. to put together; to collect; to gather; to consolidate
3. to make secure; to stabilize; to settle down; to strengthen (belief, resolution, etc.); to establish (evidence)
彼女は何度も呼吸を繰り返し、覚悟をようやく固めた。She repeated her breathing many times and finally steeled her resolve.
4. to fortify; to reinforce; to support
しっかりと防御を固めているでしょう。They are surely fortifying their defenses firmly.
5. to wear for a specific purpose (armor, coat, etc.)
in the form に身をかためる
6. to swear; to resolutely vow; to sincerely promise
7. to tie tightly; to fasten
8. to hold a bow fully drawn