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strain

²strain

verb

Definition of STRAIN

transitive verb

a : to draw tight : cause to fit firmly <strain the bandage over the wound> b : to stretch to maximum extension and tautness <strain a canvas over a frame>

a : to exert (as oneself) to the utmost b : to injure by overuse, misuse, or excessive pressure <strained his back> c : to cause a change of form or size in (a body) by application of external force

: to squeeze or clasp tightly: as a : hug b : to compress painfully : constrict

a : to cause to pass through a strainer : filter b : to remove by straining <strain lumps out of the gravy>

: to stretch beyond a proper limit <that story strains my credulity>

obsolete : to squeeze out : extort

intransitive verb

a : to make violent efforts : strive <has to strain to reach the high notes> b : to pull against resistance <a dog straining at its leash> c : to contract the muscles forcefully in attempting to defecate —often used in the phrase strain at stool

: to pass through or as if through a strainer <the liquid strains readily>

: to make great difficulty or resistance : balk

— strain a point

: to go beyond a usual, accepted, or proper limit or rule

See strain defined for English-language learners »

Examples of STRAIN

I strained my back trying to lift the couch.
Too much computer work strains the eyes.
He strained a muscle in his leg.
His muscles strained under the heavy weight.

Origin of STRAIN

Middle English, from Anglo-French estreindre, from Latin stringere to bind or draw tight, press together; akin to Greek strang-, stranx drop squeezed out, strangalē halter

First Known Use: 14th century