toughen

[[t]tʌ̱f(ə)n[/t]]

toughens, toughening, toughened

1) V-ERG If you toughen something or if it toughens, you make it stronger so that it will not break easily.

[V n] Do not add salt to beans when cooking as this tends to toughen the skins.

[V-ed] ...toughened glass. [Also V]

2) VERB If a person, institution, or law toughens its policies, regulations, or punishments, it makes them firmer or stricter.

[V n] Talks are under way to toughen trade restrictions...

[V n] They have put considerable pressure on the Government to toughen its stance...

[V n] British regulations are also being toughened.

PHRASAL VERB

Toughen up means the same as toughen.

Also V n P V P n (not pron) The new law toughens up penalties for those that misuse guns.

3) VERB If an experience toughens you, it makes you stronger and more independent in character.

[V n] They believe that participating in fights toughens boys and shows them how to be men.

[V n] ...people who have been toughened by their daily circumstances.

PHRASAL VERB

Toughen up means the same as toughen.

V n P He thinks boxing is good for kids, that it toughens them up... Also V P n (not pron) V P My father tried to teach me to toughen up.