To endure or tolerate some task or activity despite difficulties, hardships, or unpleasant conditions. A noun or pronoun can be used between "tough" and "out." I know you aren't enjoying college so far, but tough it out for at least the first year. Well, you toughed out your first winter in Siberia—how was it? I toughed that job out for nearly 10 years, but I came to realize that life is too short to spend it being miserable.