ENGLISH
REFERENCE

strain

n. C / U
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈstɹeɪn// UK //stɹˈeɪn// strain Archaic

n. a state of worry or tension caused by a difficult situation. It can also mean a physical injury to a muscle from using it too much.

n. a state of tension or pressure exerted on a person, relationship, or physical object. Often refers to the resulting deformation or injury when a system is pushed beyond its normal limits.


SIMPLE

The long hours at work are putting a strain on his health.

CONTEXTUAL

The sudden increase in energy prices has put a significant financial strain on small businesses across the country.

COMPLEX

Engineers must calculate the maximum structural strain the bridge can withstand before the integrity of the steel cables is compromised by heavy traffic loads.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage

Often used with the verb 'put' and the preposition 'on' ('to put a strain on something').

Pitfall

The work caused a strain for herThe work put a strain on herThe noun 'strain' typically collocations with the verb 'put' and the preposition 'on' when describing pressure.

Idioms3 entries

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