toughen
verb (used with or without object)
was toughening
-
past progressiveof toughen.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When asked if Sir Keir agreed with Macron, the PM's spokesman said the government was "toughening every part of the system to ensure the rules are enforced and respected".
From BBC ● Jul. 9, 2025
The government said it was toughening the law to protect consumers, while Google said it removed fake reviews.
From BBC ● Aug. 1, 2023
On Tuesday, apparently emboldened by those comments, state media in Pyongyang signaled that Kim’s government was toughening its negotiating position.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 5, 2018
Stories of excess were already bleeding out and even the government was toughening its line.
From BBC ● Jan. 31, 2016
This sister, though only just entering her teens, was toughening herself by all sorts of unnecessary hardships for whatever might await her womanhood.
From A New England girlhood, outlined from memory (Beverly, MA) by Lucy Larcom
