toughen

tough·en

verb \ˈtə-fən\

tough·enedtough·en·ing\ˈtə-fə-niŋ, ˈtəf-niŋ\

Definition of TOUGHEN

transitive verb

: to make tough

intransitive verb

: to become tough

Examples of TOUGHEN

1. The government is toughening antidrug laws.
2. <weight lifting will help toughen those flabby muscles of yours>

First Known Use of TOUGHEN

1582

Related to TOUGHEN

Synonyms: beef (up), fortify, harden, strengthen

Antonyms: debilitate, enervate, enfeeble, weaken

Related Words: anneal, temper; firm (up), tone (up); energize, invigorate, vitalize; restrengthen

Near Antonyms: cripple, incapacitate, paralyze; damage, harm, hurt, impair, injure; break down, wear out; sap, undercut, undermine

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with TOUGHEN

muffin, puffin, roughen