As a Noun: 1. The quality of insisting on polite and obedient behaviour, especially from children; or being unsympathetic and inflexible and insisting people follow whatever the rules are. English = strictness, sternness. 2. The strength of character and will that makes a person able to tolerate a lot of pain or hardship, especially without complaint. English = stoicism. 3. The quality of meat that is difficult to cut and chew. English = toughness. As a Verb or Adjective: 1. To insist on polite and obedient behaviour, especially from children; or to insist on people following rules which are difficult. English = (be) strict; (be) tough. 2. To have a strong, independent character and be able to tolerate a lot of pain or hardship. English = (be) tough, (be) stoic. 3. (When talking of meat), to be difficult to cut and chew. English = (be) tough. 4. To make something firm or hard. English = toughen.