Question

strain

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strainnoun, verbBrE /streɪn/NAmE /streɪn/ noun word origin thesaurus synonyms example bank worry/anxiety 1 [uncountable, countable] pressure on sb/sth because they have too much to do or manage, or sth very difficult to deal with; the problems, worry or anxiety that this producesTheir marriage is under great strain at the moment. These repayments are putting a strain on our finances. Relax, and let us take the strain (= do things for you). The transport service cannot cope with the strain of so many additional passengers. You will learn to cope with the stresses and strains of public life. I found it a strain having to concentrate for so long. There are strains in the relationship between the two countries. physical pressure 2 [uncountable, countable] the pressure that is put on sth when a physical force stretches, pushes, or pulls itThe rope broke under the strain. You should try not to place too much strain on muscles and joints. The ground here cannot take the strain of a large building. The cable has a 140kg breaking strain (= it will break when it is stretched or pulled by a force greater than this). injury3 [countable, uncountable] an injury to a part of your body, such as a muscle, that is caused by using it too much or by twisting ita calf/groin/leg strain muscle strain type of plant/animal/disease4 [countable] a particular type of plant or animal, or of a disease caused by bacteria, etca new strain of mosquitoes resistant to the poison This is only one of the many strains of the disease. in sb's character5 [countable, usually singular] a particular tendency in the character of a person or group, or a quality in their manner  streakHe had a definite strain of snobbery in him. of music6 [countable, usually plural] (formal) the sound of music being played or sungShe could hear the strains of Mozart through the window.verb verb forms word origin collocations synonyms example bank injure1 [transitive] ~ sth/yourself to injure yourself or part of your body by making it work too hardto strain a muscle You'll strain your back carrying those heavy suitcases. make effort2 [transitive, intransitive] to make an effort to do sth, using all your mental or physical strength~ sth to do sthI strained my ears (= listened very hard) to catch what they were saying.~ sth Necks were strained for a glimpse of the stranger.~ to do sth People were straining to see what was going on.~ (sth) (for sth) He burst to the surface, straining for air. Bend gently to the left without straining. stretch to limit3 [transitive] ~ sth to try to make sth do more than it is able to doThe sudden influx of visitors is straining hotels in the town to the limit. His constant complaints were straining our patience. The dispute has strained relations between the two countries (= made them difficult). Her latest version of events strained their credulity still further. push/pull hard4 [intransitive] + adv./prep. to push hard against sth; to pull hard on sthShe strained against the ropes that held her. The dogs were straining at the leash, eager to get to the park. separate solid from liquid5 [transitive] to pour food, etc. through sth with very small holes in it, for example a sieve, in order to separate the solid part from the liquid part~ sthUse a colander to strain the vegetables.~ sth off Strain off any excess liquid.strain at the ˈleash (informal) to want to do sth very muchLike all youngsters, he's straining at the leash to leave home.strain every ˈnerve/ˈsinew (to do sth) (formal) to try as hard as you can to do sthHe strained every nerve to snatch victory from defeat.  more at creak under the strain at creak v.

Strain Sth Strained Straining Hard Part Pressure Physical