strain one's eyes

phrase

: to try very hard to see

I strained my eyes in the darkness.

Cite this Entry

Style

“Strain one's eyes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/strain%20one%27s%20eyes. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

Copy Citation

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

strain one's eyes

phrase

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

immure

Popular in Grammar & Usage

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

5 Verbal Slip Ups and Language Mistakes

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Popular in Wordplay

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Was 'nervous Nellie' a Real Person?

Why do we call it a 'flea market'?

17 Words for Dog Breeds

Popular

More Words You Always Have to Look Up

The Opposite of Déjà Vu

The Words of the Week - Mar. 13

Games & Quizzes