To toughen up, or to make physically stronger or more resistant
“Finally, the sheet was taken to a kiln, where it was annealed to toughen the glass.”
To fortify or make more secure
“The group aims to toughen the defenses of Europe's northeastern flank against military incursions.”
To cause to be callous or unfeeling
“He had failed his son, had failed to toughen him to the world, to drive a steel spike through his center so that he could stand up for himself.”
To make, or to become, harsher or more severe
“Their rejection comes despite plans in England, unveiled last week, to toughen the law, giving householders the right to take on burglars without fear of prosecution.”
To get, or make, accustomed to a given condition or situation
To make rough or coarse
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