tough
(tŭf)
[Middle English, from Old English tōh.]
adjective: tough·er, tough·est.
- Able to withstand great strain without tearing or breaking; strong and resilient: a tough all-weather fabric.
- Hard to cut or chew: tough meat.
- Physically hardy; rugged: tough mountaineers; a tough cop.
- Severe; harsh: a tough winter.
- Aggressive; pugnacious.
- Inclined to violent or disruptive behavior; rowdy or rough: a tough street group.
- Demanding or troubling; difficult: skipping the toughest questions.
- Strong-minded; resolute: a tough negotiator.
- Slang Unfortunate; too bad: a tough break.
- Slang Fine; great.
noun
- A violent or rowdy person; a hoodlum or thug.
idioms
- tough it out
- To get through despite hardship; endure: “It helps if one was raised to tough it out” (Gail Sheehy)
derivatives
- tough́ly
- adverb
- tough́ness
- noun
