toughen

Everyday

1. To toughen something is to make it stronger and harder to break or damage. tree →
2. To toughen (up) a person is to make them stronger and better at dealing with difficult things. tree →
3. To make rules or laws stricter. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science and technology: toughened glass is heated and cooled so it is stronger and breaks into small, safer pieces. In everyday life: "toughen up" (sometimes said unkindly). In news: the government toughened the rules.

Examples

• Toughened glass is used in car windows. tree →
• The hard training toughened the players. tree →
• Hiking toughens your feet. tree →
• The school toughened its rules on phones. tree →
• Toughened glass breaks into small pieces, not sharp shards. tree →
• Boots get toughened by wearing them. tree →

Note

Regular verb: toughened. From "tough" + -en (to make). Pronounced "TUFF-en". "Toughen up" can sound unkind if said to someone who is upset.