stress

²stress

verb

Definition of STRESS

transitive verb

1

: to subject to physical or psychological stress <stressing the equipment> <this traffic is stressing me out>

2

: to subject to phonetic stress : accent

3

: to lay stress on : emphasize <stressed the importance of teamwork>

intransitive verb

: to feel stress <stressing about the big exam> —often used with out

Examples of STRESS

1. The union stressed the need for stricter safety standards.
2. The risks involved in the procedure should be stressed.
3. Some people stress the second syllable of “harassment,” while others stress the first.
4. When she said, “We need lots of money,” she stressed the word “lots.”
5. It's not an important decision and it isn't worth stressing over.

First Known Use of STRESS

1545

Related to STRESS

Synonyms: bother, fear, fret, fuss, stew, worry, sweat, trouble

Antonyms: de-emphasize

Related Words: agonize; long, pine, yearn; chafe; despair

Near Antonyms: accept; abide, bear, endure, stick out, stomach, sustain, take, tolerate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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