Dictionary

roughen

verb rough·en \ˈrə-fən\

: to become rough or cause (something) to become rough

rough·enedrough·en·ing \ˈrə-fə-niŋ, ˈrəf-niŋ\

Full Definition of ROUGHEN

transitive verb

: to make rough or rougher <her hands were roughened by work — Ellen Glasgow>

intransitive verb

: to become rough

See roughen defined for English-language learners

See roughen defined for kids

1582

ROUGHENED Defined for Kids

verb rough·en \ˈrə-fən\

rough·enedrough·en·ing

: to make or become rough

Next Word in the Dictionary: rough endoplasmic reticulumPrevious Word in the Dictionary: rough–edgedAll Words Near: roughen

What made you want to look up roughen? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears