Word Explorer
Children's
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
       

stress

 
 
pronunciation:
stres
parts of speech:
noun, transitive verb
phrases:
stress out
features:
Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: noun
definition 1: the importance or significance given to something; emphasis.
Her parents put a lot of stress on getting a good education.
synonyms:
accentuation, emphasis
definition 2: the relative emphasis placed on a given syllable of a word when it is spoken.
In the word "doctor," the stress is on the first syllable.
synonyms:
accent, accentuation, emphasis
definition 3: physical pressure or force that causes strain on or distortion of something.
The weight of the books put a lot of stress on the flimsy shelf.Running puts a good deal of stress on the knees.
synonyms:
pressure, strain, tension
similar words:
fatigue, pull
definition 4: mental or emotional pressure that causes strain on an individual.
His job at the airline gives him a lot of stress.
definition 5: a condition characterized by physical, mental, or emotional tension.
As an emergency room physician, she constantly suffers from stress.
synonyms:
tension
similar words:
fatigue, pressure, strain
 
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: stresses, stressing, stressed
definition 1: to emphasize; highlight.
Her speech stressed the need to improve the city's schools.The chef stressed the importance of measuring the ingredients carefully.The salesman stressed the usefulness of the product and avoided discussing the price.
synonyms:
accent, accentuate, emphasize, highlight, underline, underscore
similar words:
feature, focus on, make much of, point, punctuate, spotlight, weight
definition 2: to subject to pressure or strain.
The heavy lifting stressed his back.
synonyms:
strain
similar words:
enforce, fatigue, overload, press, stretch, tax, tense
definition 3: to utter (a word or syllable) with relatively greater emphasis.
"I DO want to help!" she exclaimed, strongly stressing the word "do."Americans stress the second syllable of the word "café," but British speakers stress the first.
synonyms:
accent, accentuate, emphasize
phrase: stress out
derivation: stressless (adj.)
Word Builder: stress +
  • stressful:
    causing stress.
  • stressed:
    feeling stress.
Word Explorer
See
  health