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