toughen

[tuhf-uhn]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become tough or tougher.

   Synonyms: stiffen, strengthen, firm, harden

toughen

/ ˈtʌfən /

verb

1. to make or become tough or tougher

Other Word Forms

• toughener noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toughen¹

First recorded in 1575–85; tough + -en ¹

Example Sentences

A tribunal then ruled low-interest shareholder loans should not be excluded from the scope of the APTs, and that changes made to toughen up the regulations also breached competition law.

From BBC

City Section teams continue to struggle against Southern Section opponents in nonleague games, but many are using the strategy Birmingham has used for years to toughen up before league play begins.

From Los Angeles Times

There's also a wide-ranging sentencing bill expected from the Justice Minister Naomi Long in the next few months, which aims to tighten laws around sentencing for offences and toughen up hate crime legislation.

From BBC

It could be a perfect storm in New England as Drake Maye looks the business at quarterback, and Vrabel will toughen them up and make them hard to beat.

From BBC

The move represents a further toughening of the president's stance on visas, following two earlier measures.

From BBC

Related Words

• strengthen