I. ˈtəf adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tōh; akin to Old High German zāhi tough
Date: before 12th century
1.
a. : strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle
b. : not easily chewed
tough meat
2. : glutinous , sticky
3. : characterized by severity or uncompromising determination
tough laws
tough discipline
4. : capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor
tough soldiers
5. : very hard to influence : stubborn
a tough negotiator
6. : difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with
a tough question
tough luck
7. : stubbornly fought
a tough contest
8. : unruly , rowdyish
a tough gang
9. : marked by absence of softness or sentimentality
a tough critic
Synonyms: see strong
• tough·ly adverb
• tough·ness noun
II. adverb
Date: 14th century
: in a tough manner
talking tough
III. noun
Date: 1801
: a tough person : rowdy
IV. transitive verb
Date: 1830
: to bear unflinchingly : endure — usually used with out especially in the phrase tough it out