1. To reduce the distance or gap between objects, people, or elements; to make a space more compact or confined
We need to tighten the space between the furniture to fit more items in the room.
Precisamos apertar o espaço entre os móveis para caber mais itens na sala.
2. To increase control or restrictions in a given area or situation
The government decided to tighten the space for unlicensed vendors in the market.
O governo decidiu apertar o espaço para vendedores sem licença no mercado.
3. To intensify pressure or make conditions more restrictive
The coach will tighten the space in defensive formations during practice.
O técnico vai apertar o espaço nas formações defensivas durante o treino.