Toughen: meaning, definitions and examples

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toughen

[ˈtʌfən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a physical sense

To make someone or something stronger or more resilient, especially through exposure to difficult or challenging situations.

Synonyms

fortify, harden, strengthen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toughen	Typically used to describe making someone or something more resilient or able to endure hardship, often through experience or training. The military training is designed to toughen recruits. Living in the countryside helped him toughen up.
strengthen	General term for making something stronger, can be applied to physical objects, muscles, structures, or abstract concepts like relationships. The exercises will strengthen your muscles. They need to strengthen their business strategy.
harden	Usually refers to making something more solid or less likely to bend or break, and can be used metaphorically for emotions. Can have a negative connotation when referring to making a person less compassionate. The molten lava will harden as it cools. Years of hardship have hardened his heart.
fortify	Often used in reference to adding physical or metaphorical strength, such as reinforcement of defenses, making something stronger or more secure. They need to fortify the castle walls before the enemy attacks. She took vitamins to fortify her immune system.

Examples of usage

The coach decided to toughen up the team by increasing the intensity of their training sessions.
Experiencing hardship can toughen a person and help them grow stronger.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

in a mental or emotional sense

To make someone more resilient or less sensitive to emotional pain or stress.

Synonyms

harden, steel, toughen up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toughen	Use 'toughen' when referring to making something or someone stronger or more resilient physically, emotionally, or mentally. The military training is designed to toughen the soldiers. This experience will toughen you up for future challenges.
harden	Use 'harden' when speaking about making something more firm or solid. It can be used metaphorically for emotions or attitudes. The clay will harden if left in the sun for too long. Years of hardship have hardened his heart.
toughen up	Use 'toughen up' when encouraging someone to become stronger or more resilient, typically in a casual or direct way. It can sometimes have a slightly negative or brusque tone. You'll need to toughen up if you want to succeed here. Stop complaining and toughen up!
steel	Use 'steel' when aiming to convey a sense of preparing oneself mentally for something difficult. This word often carries a connotation of bracing oneself. She had to steel herself before giving the bad news. He steeled his resolve to face the upcoming trial.

Examples of usage

Going through tough times can toughen a person's resolve.
Facing criticism can help toughen you up for future challenges.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'toughen' is derived from 'tough', which has roots in the Old French word 'tuf', meaning 'difficult to break'.
It first appeared in the English language in the late 1800s, evolving as a way to describe making something sturdy or resilient.

Science

Materials can be toughened by processes like heating and cooling, which alters their molecular structure.
Toughening plastics can involve the addition of rubber particles, making them less likely to crack.
In biological contexts, toughening is seen in how muscles adapt and grow after regular exercise.

Psychology

The concept of emotional toughening refers to individuals learning to handle stress and adversity better over time.
Cognitive behavioral therapy aims to toughen one's psychological resilience by teaching coping strategies for tough situations.

Pop Culture

In many action movies, characters undergo rigorous training to toughen up before facing their challenges.
The phrase 'toughen up' is often used in motivational speeches, emphasizing facing fears head-on.

Sports

Athletes often focus on toughening their bodies through rigorous training to improve performance and prevent injuries.
Toughening mental resilience is just as crucial in sports, where athletes must overcome pressure and setbacks.

Translations

Translations of the word "toughen" in other languages:

🇵🇹 endurecer

🇮🇳 कठोर बनाना

🇩🇪 härten

🇮🇩 menguatkan

🇺🇦 загартовувати

🇵🇱 utwardzać

🇯🇵 固める (katameru)

🇫🇷 durcir

🇪🇸 endurecer

🇹🇷 sertleştirmek

🇰🇷 강화하다 (ganghwahada)

🇸🇦 يقسي

🇨🇿 ztuhnout

🇸🇰 stvrdnúť

🇨🇳 变硬 (biàn yìng)

🇸🇮 utrditi

🇮🇸 herða

🇰🇿 қатайту

🇬🇪 გამკაცრება

🇦🇿 bərkitmək

🇲🇽 endurecer

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,551 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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33548 clericalism
33549 taxiing
33550 sprinter
33551 toughen
33552 elate
33553 adventuring
33554 elbowing
...