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English word tough comes from Proto-Indo-European *denḱ-, and later Proto-Germanic *tinhaną (To press, throng.)
*denḱ- (Proto-Indo-European)
*tinhaną (Proto-Germanic)
To press, throng.
*tanhuz (Proto-Germanic)
Holding together; clinging; sticky; tenacious; tough.
tōh (Old English)
toȝ (Middle English)
tough (English)
A person who obtains things by force; a thug or bully. (slang) Used to indicate lack of sympathy (material science) Undergoing plastic deformation before breaking.. (of food) Difficult to cut or chew.. (of questions, etc.) Difficult or demanding.. (of weather etc) Harsh or severe.. Rowdy or rough.. Rugged or physically hardy.. Strong and resilient; sturdy.. Stubborn. To endure.. To toughen.