toughˈen transitive verb or intransitive verb

To make or become tough

toughˈener noun

toughˈening noun and adjective

toughˈie noun (informal)

A tough person, difficult or intractable problem, etc

toughˈish adjective

Rather tough

toughˈly adverb

toughˈness noun

tough love noun

The practice of keeping a loved one who has an addiction on a strict regime of abstinence while at the same time showing them love, care, sympathy, etc

tough luck see under luck

tough-mindˈed adjective

Hard-headed, determined, not influenced by sentiment, etc

tough-mindˈedness noun

get tough with (informal)

To deal with (more) severely, sternly

tough out or tough it out (informal)

1. To withstand
2. To endure stoically or defiantly