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

Such prohibitions exist in dozens of states, but many doctors, nurses and policymakers want to toughen them up as a buttress against private equity’s influence in the sector.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

European Union officials have also toughened their language against Israel in recent weeks.

Read more on BBC

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.

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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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• strengthen