Definition

1. Verb (transitive):

   • To make something or someone physically stronger, harder, or more resistant.
   • To make someone or something more resilient, determined, or able to endure hardship.

2. Verb (intransitive):

   • To become physically stronger, harder, or more resistant.
   • To become more resilient, determined, or able to endure hardship.

Usage

• Transitive Verb (to make tough): The verb is used with a direct object. It describes the action of causing something or someone to become tougher.
• Intransitive Verb (to become tough): The verb is used without a direct object. It describes the process of something or someone becoming tougher on its own.

Examples

• Transitive Verb:

  • The coach's rigorous training program will toughen the athletes for the competition.
  • Exposure to different cultures can toughen a person's perspective.
  • The manufacturer uses a special process to toughen the glass.

• Intransitive Verb:

  • The material will toughen as it cools.
  • He toughened considerably after his years in the military.

Advanced Usage

• "to toughen up": This phrasal verb is commonly used, especially in informal contexts, to mean to make or become emotionally or physically stronger and less sensitive.
  • You need to toughen up if you want to survive in this business.
  • The army training is designed to toughen up new recruits.

Variants and Related Words

• Tough (adjective): Strong enough to withstand adverse conditions; resilient.
  • The fabric is very tough and durable.
• Toughening (gerund/noun): The process of making or becoming tough.
  • The toughening of the regulations was necessary.

Synonyms

• Strengthen: To make or become stronger.
• Harden: To make or become physically hard or unfeeling.
• Fortify: To strengthen mentally or physically; to strengthen a place with defensive works.
• Inure: To accustom someone to something, especially something unpleasant.

Phrasal Verbs

• Toughen up: As detailed in the 'Advanced Usage' section, this is the primary phrasal verb associated with "toughen."

Related Idioms

• "Toughen one's hide/skin": To make oneself less sensitive to criticism or hardship.
  • Working in customer service will quickly toughen your skin.

Verb

1. make tough or tougher
   • This experience will toughen her