toughen

[ tuhf-uhn ]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to make or become tough or tougher.

   Synonyms: stiffen, strengthen, firm, harden

toughen

/ ˈtʌfən /

verb

1. to make or become tough or tougher

Other Words From

• toughen·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of toughen¹

First recorded in 1575–85; tough + -en ¹

Example Sentences

Before July's general election, Labour pledged to toughen existing Tory plans to abolish non-dom tax status.

From BBC

The tribunal said low-interest shareholder loans should not be excluded from the scope of APT rules, and that changes made in February to toughen up the regulations also breached competition law.

From BBC

Ministers are interested in proposals to toughen up community orders as an alternative to jail, to reduce the number of offenders in prisons.

From BBC

Shabana Mahmood, the current justice secretary, is known to want to toughen community sentences, which could involve strict conditions and punishments but no time behind bars.

From BBC

The tribunal - in a 175-page document - ruled that low-interest shareholder loans from owners to their clubs should not be excluded from the scope of APT rules, and that some amendments to toughen up the rules in February by should not be retained.

From BBC

Related Words

• strengthen