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tough adjective [ tʌf ]

• (of a substance or object) strong enough to withstand adverse conditions or rough handling.
• "tough rucksacks for climbers"
Similar: durable, strong, resilient, resistant, sturdy, rugged, firm, solid, substantial, sound, stout, indestructible, unbreakable, hard, rigid, stiff, inflexible, toughened, hard-wearing, long-lasting, heavy-duty, well built, made to last,
Opposite: soft, fragile, flimsy,
• able to endure hardship or pain.
• "she was as tough as old boots"
Similar: resilient, strong, hardy, gritty, determined, resolute, dogged, stalwart, rugged, fit, robust, powerful, red-blooded, doughty, hardened, cynical, hard-bitten, hard, (as) tough as old boots,
Opposite: weak, sentimental,
• demonstrating a strict and uncompromising approach.
• "police have been getting tough with drivers"
Similar: strict, stern, severe, hard, harsh, firm, hard-hitting, adamant, inflexible, unyielding, unbending, uncompromising, unsentimental, unsympathetic, merciless, ruthless, callous, hard-hearted, uncaring, cold, cool, stony, stony-hearted, flinty, hard-nosed, hard-boiled, badass,
Opposite: soft, light,
• strong and prone to violence.
• "tough young teenagers"
Similar: rough, rowdy, unruly, disorderly, violent, wild, lawless, lawbreaking, criminal, vicious, callous, hardened,

tough noun

• a rough and violent man.
• "a gang of toughs"
Similar: ruffian, rowdy, thug, hoodlum, hooligan, brute, bully, bully boy, rough, gangster, desperado, hard man, roughneck, yob, yobbo, heavy, bruiser, tough guy, toughie, gorilla, yahoo, hood, hoon,

tough verb

• endure a period of hardship or difficulty.
Origin: Old English tōh, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch taai and German zäh .

tough shit

• used to express a lack of sympathy with someone.



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