Definitions

1. noun

A person or thing that is tough to deal with; a demanding or difficult situation.

“She was a hardball negotiator, refusing to budge on her terms.”

2. noun

The baseball played with the hardest surface, typically yellow or red in color.

“The pitcher threw the hardball down the middle of the plate.”

3. verb

To negotiate or deal with someone or something in a tough or forceful way.

“The company was said to have hardballed the union during negotiations.”

4. verb

To throw a baseball with a hard surface, typically yellow or red in color.

“The pitcher hardballed the ball down the middle of the plate.”