noun / verb
strain
STRAYN/streɪn/
Stress caused by excessive force or effort.
Carrying heavy boxes puts a strain on your back.
Etymology
The image of drawing something tight developed into stretching it to its limit. The noun first described injury from overstretching, then the force or pressure involved, underlying physical and mental strain.
In context
Maintaining improper posture while sitting or standing for extended periods can put excessive strain on the discs.
More examples
- Higher rent strains our budget.
- She strains to lift the heavy gate.
- A muscle strain keeps him out of today's game.
Forms
strain · strains · strained · straining