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Toughen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'toughen'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'toughen' originated from the adjective 'tough,' which has roots in Old English and Middle English. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century, derived from the Middle English word 'toughen,' meaning to strengthen or harden. Over time, 'toughen' has evolved to encompass not only physical strength but also mental resilience and emotional fortitude.

See also: tough, toughening, tougher, toughness.

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.