0 the fact of deliberately not showing too much kindness to a person who has a problem so that the person will start to solve their own problem
1 a way of dealing with someone who has a problem in which you do not show a lot of kindness so that they try to solve it themselves:
My philosophy on this subject is summed up by the term "tough love".
Common sense and counselling may be called for, but tough love is also needed.
Other vital elements are tough love, creating a safe, calm environment in which teachers can teach and students learn; and high academic expectations.
He was a proponent of the tough love measures designed to force claimants, including the sick and disabled, back to work.
He puts up with her tough love as he is infatuated with her.
The kids hang on his words, respond to his tough love and accept his discipline.
All of them enjoyed tough love from him.
In improving a mid-level basketball program, he stressed work ethic, used tough love, and tried to improve the players' vocabulary.
