Synonyms

toughen

American

[tuhf-uhn] / ˈtʌf ən /

verb (used with or without object)

to make or become tough or tougher.

Synonyms:

stiffen, strengthen, firm, harden

toughen British

/ ˈtʌfən /

verb

to make or become tough or tougher

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

toughener noun

Etymology

Origin of toughen

First recorded in 1575–85; tough + -en ¹

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.

The British government said it had taken inspiration from Denmark, which has driven asylum applications to its lowest level in 40 years after toughening its own immigration stance.

From Barron's

"You never get used to it, but I think we've toughened up and we understand there is no choice," he told AFP.

From Barron's

A bipartisan bill released Thursday would toughen penalties against preparers who improperly handle returns.

From MarketWatch

Further, it said it would establish direct points of contact with Canadian law-enforcement officials, help direct users in distress to relevant local support agencies, and toughen its detection system to prevent attempts to evade safeguards.

From The Wall Street Journal

The spokesman also said the independent review would explore "how we can go even further to toughen up the safeguards in place against illicit money from abroad", including cryptocurrencies.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023