Toughen: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.