toughen

verb

tough·​en ˈtə-fən How to pronounce toughen (audio)
toughened; toughening ˈtə-fə-niŋ How to pronounce toughen (audio)
ˈtəf-niŋ

intransitive verb

: to become tough

Examples of toughen in a Sentence

The government is toughening antidrug laws. weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours
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.
Then, in the third tier were China, Russia and other countries subject to U.S. arms embargoes, which would have remained subject to strict export controls previously put in place by the Biden administration, first in 2022 and then toughened in 2023. Kevin Stankiewicz, CNBC, 8 May 2025 But in recent days, several candidates in competitive races have toughened their language against the president, reflecting liberal voters’ desire for a fight. Lisa Lerer, New York Times, 1 May 2025 Araghchi, who took part in negotiations for Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal, later toughened his tone and said talks couldn’t happen under U.S. pressure, following Khamenei’s lead. Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 14 Mar. 2025 Carter, a blend of elite physicality and tenacity, should toughen up what was a mediocre Giants defense last season. Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for toughen

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of toughen was in 1582

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Cite this Entry

“Toughen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/toughen. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

toughen

verb
tough·​en ˈtəf-ən How to pronounce toughen (audio)
toughened; toughening ˈtəf-(ə-)niŋ How to pronounce toughen (audio)
: to make or become tough

More from Merriam-Webster on toughen

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