toughen

• Verb, das angibt, dass jemand oder etwas härter, widerstandsfähiger, zäher oder strenger gemacht wird oder dies selbst erlangt.

A verb used to indicate the act of making or becoming stronger, more resilient, or more difficult.

1. Make stronger or harderB2formal

   To make something physically stronger, harder, or more resilient.

   Härten

   • The blacksmith toughened the steel by heating and cooling it.
   • Regular exercise toughens your muscles and bones.
   • The coating is designed to toughen the surface against scratches.

   Synonymeannealfortifyhardenreinforceseasonstiffenstrengthentemperthicken

   Antonymedebilitateenfeeblesoftenweaken

2. Make mentally or emotionally strongerB2formal

   To make someone more resilient, less sensitive, or better able to handle difficult situations.

   Abhärten

   • Living alone in a new city toughened her character.
   • The coach's strict training toughened the players mentally.
   • Adversity can toughen a person's resolve.

   Synonymebracefortifyhardeninuresteelstrengthen

   Antonymesensitizesoftenweaken