tough·en 
/ˈtʌfən/ verb
tough·ens; tough·ened; tough·en·ing /ˈtʌfən/ verb 1 : to make (something) stricter or to become stricter [+ obj] ▪ The government is toughening antidrug laws. — often + up ▪ The antidrug laws have been toughened up recently. [no obj] — usually + up ▪ The antidrug laws have toughened up recently. 2 : to make (someone) physically or emotionally stronger or to become physically or emotionally stronger [+ obj] ▪ The experience toughened him. — often + up ▪ The experience toughened him up. [no obj] — usually + up ▪ You need to toughen up if you want to succeed in this business.
