steeled
Gathered one's resolve
Steeled is the past tense of steel, meaning to mentally prepare oneself for something difficult or unpleasant.
The image is of making oneself as hard and unyielding as the metal: She steeled herself for the bad news, He steeled his nerves before the interview.
The word implies summoning resolve against anticipated pain, fear, or hardship.
Firmness of purpose
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- bracedSteadied against force
- girdedEncircled with a band
- preparedMade ready beforehand
fortitude · steadfastness · willpower · grit · nerved · readied · composure · collected
Made by smithing, or faked
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
- annealedHeat-softened then cooled
- quenchedSatisfied a craving
- toughenedMade more durable
metallurgy · smithing · heat-treated · blade · iron · carbon · alloy · smelted
Steady and unchanging
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- immovableIncapable of being shifted
- unshakeableImpossible to disturb
steadfast · firm · rigid · adamant · resolute · implacable · intransigent · uncompromising
Adapted through habit
- desensitizedMade unresponsive through overexposure
- numbedDeprived of sensation
- callousedThickened from wear
- hardenedMade tough or unfeeling
toughened · conditioned · acclimatized · seasoned · veteran · battle-hardened · weathered · thick-skinned
resolve
Firmness of purpose
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- bracedSteadied against force
- girdedEncircled with a band
prepared · fortitude · steadfastness · willpower · grit · nerved · readied · composure · collected · mustered
forged
Made by smithing, or faked
toughened · metallurgy · smithing · heat-treated · blade · iron · carbon · alloy · smelted · wrought
unwavering
Steady and unchanging
- unbendingRefusing to change position
- inflexibleUnable to bend
- immovableIncapable of being shifted
unshakeable · steadfast · firm · rigid · adamant · resolute · implacable · intransigent · uncompromising · staunch
accustomed
Adapted through habit
- desensitizedMade unresponsive through overexposure
- numbedDeprived of sensation
- callousedThickened from wear
hardened · toughened · conditioned · acclimatized · seasoned · veteran · battle-hardened · weathered · thick-skinned · immune
steeledunnerved
Made anxious or unsettled
intimidated · shaken · rattled · demoralized · daunted
- stainless steelRust-proof iron alloy
- steel woolAbrasive metal fibers
- nerves of steelExceptional calm under pressure
- steel string guitarAcoustic with metal wires
- steel-toe bootsFootwear with metal caps
- steel millAlloy production plant
steel, high-speed steel, steels, steeling, stainless steel, steelworks, steelworker, steelmaker, steelyard