tough love

noun

: love or affectionate concern expressed in a stern or unsentimental manner (as through discipline) especially to promote responsible behavior

Examples of tough love in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Specifying tone, such as tough love or empathy, aligns the messages with the individual's preferred coaching style. Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 2 Jan. 2025 The idea is to nurture them with tough love and nudge them to adulthood — then release them, like fish in a river. John Branch, New York Times, 24 Nov. 2024 While his initial tough love tips were not super helpful, Paisley did come up with a fun, somewhat silly solution to Kimberly’s inability to be heard above a whisper, even in her own home. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 19 Dec. 2024 From managing debt and minimizing taxes to handling healthcare costs and retirement planning, Brennan tackles pressing financial worries with empathy, wisdom, and a dash of tough love. Forbes Partner Releases, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tough love 

Word History

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tough love was in 1968

Dictionary Entries Near tough love

Cite this Entry

“Tough love.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tough%20love. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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