toughen

Imagine a blacksmith working metal: they toughen it by heating and hammering it, making it stronger and more durable. That is what "toughen" means. It describes the process of making something or someone stronger, both physically and emotionally. You might toughen the soles of your feet by walking barefoot on rough ground, or toughen yourself mentally to face a difficult challenge. A tough exterior is not always about physical strength; it can also mean becoming more resilient in the face of hardship. Think of a plant that toughens as it survives a harsh winter. It lives because it has become sturdier through adversity.

To toughen something means to make it stronger, harder, or more resistant to damage or difficulty. It's not just about physical strength; it can also apply to emotional resilience and mental fortitude.

Originally, "toughen" referred specifically to making materials like leather or wood more durable through treatment; think of toughening leather with oil. Over time, its meaning expanded. You can toughen a material by exposing it to harsh conditions. For example: "The constant exposure to the sun toughened the rope."

More commonly today, we use "toughen" when talking about people. To toughen up means to become more resilient and better able to cope with challenges. "He had to toughen himself up after losing his job" suggests he needed to build emotional strength. It can also mean to prepare someone for hardship: "My father toughened me up by making me do chores in all weather."

Interestingly, "toughen" often implies a process of enduring difficulty in order to become stronger. A soldier might undergo rigorous training to become toughened for combat. A runner might push through pain to toughen their muscles and improve endurance.

So, whether it's metal, leather, or a person's spirit, to toughen is to fortify against adversity, building strength and resilience through challenge and exposure.