toughened

IPA/ˈtʌf.ən/
KK[tˈʌfənd]IPA/ˈtʌf.ən/

toughened — verb

  • toughenedpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tougheneds3rd person singular
  • tougheneding-ing form
  • toughenededpast simple

1. to treat a material or person so that it becomes stronger and more able to resis

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to treat a material or person so that it becomes stronger and more able to resist damage, hardship, or pressure

例句

The factory uses heat and pressure to toughen the glass for car windshields.

passive: is toughened by [process]

Growing up on a farm toughened young Felix and taught him to work hard.

toughened + person (mental/emotional sense)

同義詞
  • strengthen

    broader in scope; can apply to structures, relationships, or arguments; less intense than toughen

  • harden

    focuses on physical rigidity or emotional coldness; narrower than toughen

  • fortify

    more formal; implies adding defence or protection against attack

  • reinforce

    adds extra support rather than changing the material itself

反義詞
  • weaken

    general opposite; reduces strength or durability

  • soften

    opposite for both physical and emotional senses

文法句型

toughen + object

be toughened + by/between

用法筆記

Frequently used in the passive form (be toughened) when describing industrial processes. The past participle can also function as an adjective, as in toughened glass or toughened steel.

常見錯誤

❌This glass is very toughened.' (treating it as a simple adjective of quality)
✅This glass was toughened during a special heat treatment.
💡'toughened' describes the result of a deliberate process, not just an inherent quality.

2. for a situation, rule, or point of view to become more strict or less flexible,

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

for a situation, rule, or point of view to become more strict or less flexible, making it harder for people to accept or manage

例句

The government toughened its rules on air pollution after widespread public protests.

toughened + [rules/policies]

School safety regulations toughened after the fire in the science wing.

intransitive: regulations toughened

同義詞
  • tighten

    common with rules, regulations, and controls; more specific than toughen

  • stiffen

    more formal; often describes resistance or attitude

  • harden

    overlaps in meaning but emphasises loss of flexibility rather than increased strictness

反義詞
  • relax

    most common opposite for rules, policies, or conditions

  • soften

    suggests making something less strict or severe

  • ease

    implies making something less difficult or burdensome

文法句型

toughen + object (rules, stance, policies)

toughen (no direct object)

用法筆記

When used transitively, the direct object is typically an abstract noun such as rules, policies, stance, regulations, or position — the subject makes those rules or positions stricter. When used intransitively, the subject (a situation, condition, or negotiation) itself becomes harsh or less flexible.

常見錯誤

❌The situation toughened the government.
✅The government toughened its stance on immigration.
💡Sense 2 can take a direct object when it refers to rules, policies, or positions, but not when the object is a person or institution.