Suffix EN

The suffix -en has two functions.

The first one is to form adjectives, giving the meaning of "made of", as in golden (made of gold), silken (made of silk), etc.

The second one is to turn adjectives or nouns into verbs.

In this function, the suffix -en denotes "cause to become", "make something have determinate quality" or "become"

Examples:

strengthen: make something have strength

weaken: make something become weak

darken: cause something to become dark

lengthen: make something have length

fasten: cause something to become fast (closed, fixed)

lessen: make something become less strong, less in amount or level of importance

moisten: make something become moist or become moist (slightly wet)

christen: make someone become a christian (baptize)

sadden: make someone become sad or become sad

deafen: make someone become deaf or become deaf

ripen: become ripe or make something ripe (mature; mellow; ready for a change or for something to happen)

hearten: make someone feel happier and more positive

Some other similar words:

sharpen, widen, quicken, blacken, brighten, lighten, loosen, broaden, deepen, shorten, thicken, harden, toughen, sweeten.