toughen

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tough|en /t'ʌfən/ (toughens toughening toughened)
1 [VERB] V n, also V
If you toughen something or if it toughens, you make it stronger so that it will not break easily.
Do not add salt to beans when cooking as this tends to toughen the skins.
2 [VERB] V n
If a person, institution, or law toughens its policies, regulations, or punishments, it makes them firmer or stricter.
Talks are under way to toughen trade restrictions...
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
Toughen up means the same as toughen.
The new law toughens up penalties for those that misuse guns.
3 [VERB] V n
If an experience toughens you, it makes you stronger and more independent in character.
They believe that participating in fights toughens boys and shows them how to be men.
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P
Toughen up means the same as toughen.
He thinks boxing is good for kids, that it toughens them up...
My father tried to teach me to toughen up.

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