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tough

/tʌf/

noun

Meaning

  • A person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully.

    "They were doing fine until they encountered a bunch of toughs from the opposition."

verb

Meaning

  • To endure.

  • To toughen.

adjective

Meaning

  • Strong and resilient; sturdy.

    "The tent, made of tough canvas, held up to many abuses."

  • (of food) Difficult to cut or chew.

    "To soften a tough cut of meat, the recipe suggested simmering it for hours."

  • Rugged or physically hardy.

    "Only a tough species will survive in the desert."

  • Stubborn.

    "He had a reputation as a tough negotiator."

  • (of weather etc) Harsh or severe.

  • Rowdy or rough.

    "A bunch of the tough boys from the wrong side of the tracks threatened him."

  • (of questions, etc.) Difficult or demanding.

    "This is a tough crowd."

  • Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.

interjection

Meaning

  • Used to indicate lack of sympathy

    "If you don't like it, tough!"