toughen

Word parts

tough + -en

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈtʌfən/

• Audio (UK)

  (file)

Verb

Plain form toughen

Third-person singular toughens

Past tense toughened

Past participle toughened

Present participle toughening

1. (transitive) If you toughen something, you make it tough.
   • Synonym: strengthen
   • Antonym: weaken
2. (intransitive) If something toughens, it becomes tough.
   • Synonym: strengthen
   • Antonym: weaken

Related words

• tough