Definition

Adjective: 1. Made hard, flexible, or resilient, especially by a process like heat treatment: Describes a material (often metal or glass) that has been treated to improve its strength and durability. 2. Physically hardened or strengthened: Describes a person or part of the body that has become strong and resilient through experience or demanding conditions.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective (Material):
  • The toughened glass windshield did not shatter on impact.
  • For this application, you need a blade made from toughened steel.
• Adjective (Person/Body):
  • Years of manual labor had given him toughened hands.
  • She emerged from the rigorous training toughened and ready for the challenge.

Advanced Usage

• "to be toughened by something": to become stronger or more resilient as a result of a difficult experience.
  • The soldiers were toughened by the harsh conditions of the desert.
• "to toughen something up": (phrasal verb) to make something stronger or more resilient.
  • The new regulations are designed to toughen up safety standards.

Variants and Related Words

• Toughen (verb): To make or become tough.
  • The program is intended to toughen new recruits.
• Tough (adjective): Strong enough to withstand adverse conditions; not easily broken or damaged.
  • The material is very tough and durable.
• Tempered (adjective): A synonym, especially when referring to metals or glass treated by heating and cooling.
  • The knife is made from tempered steel.

Synonyms

• Hardened: Made or become hard or harder.
• Strengthened: Made stronger.
• Fortified: Strengthened physically, mentally, or morally.
• Seasoned: Experienced and hardened by exposure to difficult conditions.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Toughen up: (intransitive) To become emotionally or physically stronger.
  • He needed to toughen up if he wanted to succeed in that competitive field.
• Toughen something up: (transitive) To make something stronger or more severe.
  • The coach decided to toughen up the training regimen.

Adjective

1. made hard or flexible or resilient especially by heat treatment
   • a sword of tempered steel
   • tempered glass
2. physically toughened
   • the tough bottoms of his feet