tough

/tʌf/

noun

  1. 1

    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

  1. 1

    To endure.

  2. 2

    To toughen.

adjective

  1. 1

    Strong and resilient; sturdy.

    “The tent, made of tough canvas, held up to many abuses.”
  2. 2

    (of food) Difficult to cut or chew.

    “To soften a tough cut of meat, the recipe suggested simmering it for hours.”
  3. 3

    Rugged or physically hardy.

    “Only a tough species will survive in the desert.”
  4. 4

    Stubborn.

    “He had a reputation as a tough negotiator.”
  5. 5

    (of weather etc) Harsh or severe.

  6. 6

    Rowdy or rough.

    “A bunch of the tough boys from the wrong side of the tracks threatened him.”
  7. 7

    (of questions, etc.) Difficult or demanding.

    “This is a tough crowd.”
  8. 8

    Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.

interjection

  1. 1

    Used to indicate lack of sympathy

    “If you don't like it, tough!”

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