Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913 Toughen /tŭf'-ən/ · Tough·en · IPA /ˈtʌfən/ 01 v. i. & t. To grow or make tough, or tougher. imp. & p. p. Toughened; p. pr. & vb. n. Toughening 1. To grow or make tough, or tougher.