toughen

• 动词，指使某物变得更强韧、更坚固、更耐用，或指使人变得坚强、更坚毅；也可指使态度、政策等变得更严厉或更强硬。

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.

   使坚固

   • 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.

   同义词annealfortifyhardenreinforceseasonstiffenstrengthentemperthicken

   反义词debilitateenfeeblesoftenweaken

2. Make mentally or emotionally strongerB2formal

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

   磨炼

   • 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.

   同义词bracefortifyhardeninuresteelstrengthen

   反义词sensitizesoftenweaken