strain */*/

I UK [streɪn] / US noun
Word forms "strain":
singular strain plural strains

1) [countable/uncountable] pressure caused by a difficult situation

a strain on something:

This war will put a great strain on the economy.

the strain of something:

I can't take the strain of another move.

a) mental pressure or worry

under strain:

Eleanor was feeling overworked and under strain.

b) physical effort or pressure

under strain:

All that lifting is putting his back under severe strain.

2) [countable/uncountable] an injury caused by twisting or stretching a muscle too much

a thigh strain

3) [countable] a particular type of animal, insect, or plant

strain of:

a strain of human flu virus

4) [countable] a particular aspect of someone's character or feelings

strain of:

There's a strain of meanness that runs in their family.

5) strains

[plural] literary the sound of some music

•

- take the strain

II UK [streɪn] / US verb
Word forms "strain":
present tense I/you/we/they strain he/she/it strains present participle straining past tense strained past participle strained

1) [intransitive/transitive] to try very hard to do something

strain to do something:

I strained to hear what they were saying.

strain for:

tourists straining for a view of the tower

strain yourself:

I could keep up with him, without straining myself.

2) [transitive] to make a relationship uncomfortable and not friendly

Relations between the two nations have been strained since the war.

3) [transitive] to injure yourself by twisting or stretching a muscle too much

I've strained a muscle in my shoulder.

strain your back/eyes:

Reading in poor light can strain your eyes.

4) [transitive] to separate a solid from a liquid by pouring it into a strainer

5)

a) [intransitive] to pull at something very hard

strain at:

The elephants strained at their ropes.

b) to push against something very hard

strain against:

Tommy was straining against the straps of his car seat.

•

strain your eyes/ears — to try very hard to see or hear something

See:

leash