Main Entry: ¹tough

Pronunciation: \ˈtəf\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English, from Old English tōh; akin to Old High German zāhi tough

Date: before 12th century

1 a : strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle b : not easily chewed <tough meat>
2 : glutinous, sticky
3 : characterized by severity or uncompromising determination <tough laws> <tough discipline>
4 : capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor <tough soldiers>
5 : very hard to influence : stubborn <a tough negotiator>
6 : difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with <a tough question> <tough luck>
7 : stubbornly fought <a tough contest>
8 : unruly, rowdyish <a tough gang>
9 : marked by absence of softness or sentimentality <a tough critic>

synonyms see strong

— tough·ly adverb

— tough·ness noun