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, sticky3: 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