tough love
"Tough love" is a concept often used in psychology, parenting, and education to describe a strict yet caring approach aimed at promoting personal growth and responsibility.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
C1Psychology
(disciplinary, therapeutic)A strict approach that involves setting boundaries and enforcing consequences to encourage responsible behavior and self-improvement.
Example
- The therapist recommended tough love to help the patient overcome their addiction.
B2Parenting
(disciplinary, supportive)A parenting style that combines firmness with care to promote a child's personal responsibility and growth.
Example
- The parents used tough love to teach their teenager the importance of accountability.
B2Education
(disciplinary, motivational)An educational method that involves being strict and setting clear boundaries to help students achieve their goals and develop self-discipline.
Example
- The teacher's tough love approach helped the students stay focused and motivated.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tough love":