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strain
/streɪn/
force or pressure applied
The rope broke under the strain of the heavy load.
The rope could not withstand the pulling force and snapped.
Engineering
technical
A force or pressure exerted on an object that tends to stretch or deform it.
Engineers calculated the strain on the bridge supports during the stress test.
The test measured how much the bridge materials deformed under pressure.
In engineering, strain is the deformation per unit length caused by stress.
general
A state of tension or stress caused by demanding circumstances.
The job caused a lot of strain on her mental health.
Her job responsibilities were mentally exhausting.
Often used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological pressure.
Medicine
Medical
An injury caused by overuse or excessive force on a muscle or tendon.
He developed a strain in his back after lifting heavy boxes.
His back muscles were damaged from overexertion.
Common in sports and physical activities; may require rest or treatment.
biological
A particular breed, stock, or variety of a plant or animal.
The garden features a rare strain of roses.
The roses in the garden are a special cultivated variety.
Often used in agriculture or horticulture to describe genetic lines.
Engineering
technical
To exert force or pressure on something to test its strength or durability.
The material was strained until it fractured.
Researchers applied force to the sample until it broke.
As a verb, often used in scientific or technical contexts.
Collocations
under strainexperiencing pressure or stressmuscle strainan injury to a muscle from overusestrain on resourcespressure on available supplies or capabilitiesgenetic straina specific inherited line of organisms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Distinguish physical vs. emotional strain
Physical strain relates to force or injury (e.g., muscle strain), while emotional strain refers to stress or tension in challenging situations.
Gold Rule
Use 'strain' for gradual or sustained pressure
Unlike 'stress' which can be sudden, 'strain' often implies prolonged or cumulative pressure, whether physical or emotional.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'strain' (meaning 'to filter, tighten'), from Old French 'estreindre' (to tighten, compress), from Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight, compress). Related to 'strict' and 'restrict'. The sense of 'injury from overuse' emerged in the 16th century.
Usage Notes
The word has both physical and metaphorical uses. In technical contexts, it often refers to deformation or stress. In everyday language, it commonly describes emotional or psychological pressure. The verb form ('to strain') can mean to exert force or to filter a liquid.
Word Breakdown
strain
from Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight)
rootEnglish Dictionary