toughen /ˈtʌfən/ ( toughening, toughened, toughens )

• 1. 

  V-T If you toughen something or if it toughens, you make it stronger so that it will not break easily. 使坚硬

  例：

  Months of walking barefoot had toughened his feet.

  数月的赤脚行走已使他的双脚变得坚硬。

• 2. 

  V-T If a person, institution, or law toughens its policies, regulations, or punishments, it makes them firmer or stricter. 加强 (政策、规章或惩罚)

  例：

  Talks are under way to toughen trade restrictions.

  加强贸易限制的会谈正在进行中。

• 3. 

  PHRASAL VERB Toughen up means the same as . 加强 (政策、规章或惩罚)

  例：

  The new law toughens up penalties for those that misuse guns.

  这部新法律加强了对滥用枪支者的惩处。

• 4. 

  V-T If an experience toughens you, it makes you stronger and more independent in character. (经历) 使坚强

  例：

  They believe that participating in fights toughens boys and shows them how to be men.

  他们认为参与打架可以使男孩们变得坚强，并且教会他们怎样成为男子汉。

• 5. 

  PHRASAL VERB Toughen up means the same as . (经历) 使坚强

  例：

  He thinks boxing is good for kids, that it toughens them up.

  他认为拳击对孩子们有好处，使他们变得坚强。