stretch

¹stretch

verb \ˈstrech\

Definition of STRETCH

transitive verb

1

: to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position

2

: to reach out : extend <stretched out her arms>

3

: to extend in length <stretched his neck to see what was going on>

4

: to fell with or as if with a blow

5

: to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture

6

: to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position

7

: to pull taut <canvas stretched on a frame>

8

a : to enlarge or distend especially by force b : to extend or expand as if by physical force <stretch one's mind with a good book> c : strain <stretched his already thin patience>

9

: to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space) <stretch a wire between two posts>

10

a : to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits <the rules can be stretched this once> b : to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function <stretching a dollar>

11

: to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running <stretch a single into a double>

intransitive verb

1

a : to become extended in length or breadth or both : spread <broad plains stretching to the sea> b : to extend over a continuous period <the dynasty stretches back several centuries>

2

: to become extended without breaking

3

a : to extend one's body or limbs <stretched before jogging> <wanted to stretch out on the sofa> b : to lie down at full length

— stretch·abil·i·ty \ˌstre-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— stretch·able \ˈstre-chə-bəl\ adjective

— stretchy \-chē\ adjective

— stretch a point

: to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession

— stretch one's legs

1

: to extend the legs

2

: to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting

Examples of STRETCH

1. Don't yank on my sweater. You'll stretch it.
2. The elastic waistband of my pants won't stretch any more.
3. It's important to stretch before you exercise.
4. The baby stretched and yawned.
5. She woke up and stretched her arms above her head.
6. She stretched over us to open the window.
7. She stretched her hand toward him.
8. She stretched the canvas over the wooden frame.
9. The T-shirt was stretched tight over his belly.
10. A big banner was stretched across the doorway.

Origin of STRETCH

Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan; akin to Old High German strecchan to stretch, Old English stræc firm, severe

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to STRETCH

Synonyms: color, elaborate (on), embellish, exaggerate, hyperbolize, magnify, pad, embroider

Antonyms: abbreviate, abridge, curtail, cut, cut back, shorten

Related Words: dress up, gussy up; amplify, enhance, enlarge (on or upon), expand, flesh (out); fudge, hedge; overdo, overdraw, overemphasize, overplay, overstate; emphasize, play up, stress; caricature; satirize

Near Antonyms: belittle, minimize, play down, understate

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with STRETCH

catch, etch, fetch, fletch, ketch, kvetch, lech, letch, retch, sketch, vetch, wretch