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Definition of toughen

toughen

/ˈtʌf.ən/
tough · en
Adjective:tough
•
Past Simple:toughened
•
Past Participle:toughened
•
Present Participle:toughening
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toughen Lexical Profile

toughen Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make or become more resilient, resolute, or able to endure hardship and adversity.

Example

"Years of working in remote field camps helped toughen the researchers against harsh weather."

2

To make or become stricter, more severe, or more demanding (especially of rules, laws, or policies).

Example

"The regulatory board voted to toughen environmental standards for industrial waste disposal."

3

To make or become physically harder, stronger, or more resistant to wear, tearing, or damage.

Example

"Overcooking the roast at high heat will toughen the meat and dry it out."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for toughen

• Nearby Words

touchstone
touchy
tough
toughen
toughie
toughish
toughly

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in late Middle English from the adjective 'tough' (from Old English 'toh', meaning tenacious or sticky) and the verbal suffix '-en'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Toughen. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/toughen
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