Toughening: meaning, definitions and examples

This term is often used when discussing making something more resilient or durable, particularly in physical or mental contexts. It can be neutral or slightly positive depending on the context.

• The training camp is designed for toughening the soldiers.
• Exposure to different challenges helps in toughening the team's resolve.

This word is used to describe the process of making something stronger or more powerful, whether it's muscles, structures, systems, or relationships. It generally has a positive connotation.

• She is focusing on strengthening her core muscles.
• The government is strengthening security measures.

This word is commonly used when talking about adding strength or protection to something, often in physical, health-related, or nutritional contexts. It tends to carry a positive connotation.

• They are fortifying the castle walls to withstand the siege.
• Many cereals are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

This term can imply making something more rigid or resilient, often with a focus on physical materials. It can also refer to making someone emotionally insensitive or callous, which carries a negative connotation.

• The concrete is hardening faster than expected.
• Years of difficult experiences have hardened his heart.

This word appears twice, so the context remains identical to its first appearance: making something more resilient or durable through physical or mental challenges, common in personal development or material treatment.

• The coach is toughening the team with rigorous training.
• Toughening the glass makes it more resistant to breaking.

This word is broadly used to indicate the process of making something stronger in terms of physical strength, stability, or power. It's applicable in a variety of fields, including fitness, relationships, and structures.

• Strengthening your core muscles can improve posture.
• The government is strengthening ties with neighboring countries.

Tempering is primarily used in metallurgy to describe heating and cooling metals to achieve desired properties like toughness. It can also refer to moderating or balancing emotions or actions.

• Tempering steel can increase its durability.
• She is tempering her expectations to avoid disappointment.

This term is usually associated with making something more solid or firm, both physically and emotionally. It often carries a slightly negative connotation when referring to people becoming less sensitive.

• The clay is hardening as it dries.
• After years in the industry, she has hardened emotionally.