Definition of tough
(Entry 1 of 4)
1
: difficult to accomplish, resolve, endure, or deal with
a tough question tough luck
2
: capable of enduring strain, hardship, or severe labor
tough soldiers
4a
: strong or firm in texture but flexible and not brittle
b
: not easily chewed
tough meat
5
: characterized by severity or uncompromising determination
tough laws tough discipline
6
: very hard to influence : stubborn
a tough negotiator
7
: stubbornly fought
a tough contest
8
: marked by absence of softness or sentimentality
a tough critic
tough
adverbDefinition of tough (Entry 2 of 4)
: in a tough manner (see tough entry 1)
talking tough
tough
nounDefinition of tough (Entry 3 of 4)
: a tough and violent person : rowdy
tough
verb
toughed; toughing; toughs
Definition of tough (Entry 4 of 4)
: to bear unflinchingly : endure
—usually used with out especially in the phrase tough it out
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for tough
The first known use of tough was before the 12th century
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