case hardened
The term "case hardened" originates from metallurgy but is also used figuratively in psychology to describe emotional resilience.
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Definition
C1Metallurgy
(technical)Describes metal with a hard surface layer and a softer interior, achieved through heat treatment.
Example
- The gears are case hardened to increase their durability and wear resistance.
C1Psychology
(figurative)Describes a person who has become emotionally resilient or insensitive due to repeated exposure to stress or trauma.
Example
- After years in the emergency room, she became case hardened to the sight of injuries.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "case hardened":