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Intermediate Dictionary
       

strain1

 
 
pronunciation:
streIn
parts of speech:
verb, noun
features:
Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: strains, straining, strained
definition 1: to pull or stretch tight.
He strained the rope until it broke.
synonyms:
pull, stretch, tighten
similar words:
draw, extend, rack
definition 2: to stretch to the limit.
Reading in the dark for three hours strained my eyes.
synonyms:
exert
similar words:
rack
definition 3: to hurt or injure by using too much.
He strained a muscle during practice.
synonyms:
injure, pull
similar words:
damage, hurt, sprain, twist, wrench
definition 4: to pass through a sieve or filter.
The cook strained the sauce.
synonyms:
filter
similar words:
drain, purify, refine, screen
definition 5: to remove by filtering.
I strained the sand from the small pebbles.
synonyms:
filter
similar words:
extract, remove, screen
definition 6: to pull with energy or force.
The dog strained to break free of the leash.
similar words:
heave, pull, struggle, tug
definition 7: to use the greatest amount of effort; strive.
He strained to reach the finish line first.
synonyms:
labor, strive
similar words:
drive, press on, slave, struggle, toil, work
definition 8: to put one's nerves and muscles under the greatest amount of force or stress.
He strained to lift the heavy box.
similar words:
strive, toil
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the act of straining.
It was a strain for her to finish the work today.
synonyms:
tension
similar words:
fatigue
definition 2: the condition of being strained.
The strain of work led to her illness.
synonyms:
effort
similar words:
fatigue, tension
definition 3: a hurt or injury that is the result of putting too much force or stress on some part of the body.
He caused a strain in his back by lifting the heavy books.
definition 4: a great amount of pressure or force that can cause harm.
The strain of the heavy trucks broke the bridge.
synonyms:
stress
definition 5: tiring or heavy pressure on the mind.
Her dear friend's sickness is a strain on her.
synonyms:
stress, tension
similar words:
fatigue, pressure, tax
derivations: strainless (adj.), strainingly (adv.), strainlessly (adv.)
Word Builder: strain +
  • strainer:
    a tool for straining liquids.
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  first aid, injury, muscle, tool