toughen
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
toughens;
toughened;
toughening
toughens;
toughened;
toughening
Britannica Dictionary definition of TOUGHEN
1
:
to make (something) stricter or to become stricter
— often + up
[+ object]
-
The government is toughening antidrug laws.
-
The antidrug laws have been toughened up recently.
[no object]
— usually + up
-
The antidrug laws have toughened up recently.
2
:
to make (someone) physically or emotionally stronger or to become physically or emotionally stronger
— often + up
[+ object]
-
The experience toughened him.
-
The experience toughened him up.
[no object]
— usually + up
-
You need to toughen up if you want to succeed in this business.
