# strain

/ˈstɹeɪn/ (US) · /stɹˈeɪn/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/strain
Updated: 2026-08-14

## Senses

### 1. to exert effort

verb · CEFR B2

to try very hard to do something, often using all your strength or focus.

For teachers: to exert oneself to the limit of one's faculties or physical strength.

- I had to strain my eyes to read the small print on the bottle.
- The soprano had to strain to reach the high notes during the final act of the opera, visibly exhausting herself by the curtain call.

### 2. to filter

verb · CEFR B1

to separate solid pieces from a liquid by pouring it through a tool with small holes.

For teachers: to separate liquid from solid matter by passing it through a porous medium or colander.

- Strain the pasta and then put it back into the pot with the sauce.
- After simmering the stock for several hours, strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to ensure a clear, professional finish.

### 3. to damage by pulling

verb · CEFR B2

to injure a muscle or part of your body by stretching it too much.

For teachers: to injure a muscle, tendon, or ligament by overexertion or excessive stretching.

- Be careful not to strain your back when you lift those heavy boxes.
- The athlete strained his hamstring during the sprint, forcing him to withdraw from the remainder of the competition.

### 4. pressure or tension

noun · CEFR B2

a state of worry or pressure caused by having too much to do.

For teachers: a force or influence that stretches, twists, or puts pressure on something, whether physical or psychological.

- The long hours at work are putting a real strain on her health.
- The sudden influx of refugees put a massive strain on the local infrastructure, testing the limits of the city's resources.

### 5. biological variety

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a specific type of a virus, bacteria, or plant.

For teachers: a particular genetic variant or subtype of a micro-organism or virus.

- Scientists are studying a new strain of the flu that spreads very quickly.
- The laboratory identified a drug-resistant strain of bacteria that had evolved in response to the over-prescription of antibiotics.

### 6. mechanical deformation

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the change in the shape of an object when it is pulled or pushed.

For teachers: the physical deformation of a material body under the action of applied forces.

- The bridge was designed to handle the strain of thousands of cars every day.
- Engineers calculated the stress and strain on the steel cables to ensure the structure could withstand hurricane-force winds.

### 7. musical melody

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary

the sound of a piece of music or a song.

For teachers: a sequence of musical notes or a distinct section of a melody.

- The beautiful strains of a violin drifted through the open window.
- As the sun set, the haunting strains of a distant flute echoed across the valley, creating a melancholy atmosphere.

## Examples

- The long hours at work are putting a strain on his health.
- The sudden increase in energy prices has put a significant financial strain on small businesses across the country.
- Engineers must calculate the maximum structural strain the bridge can withstand before the integrity of the steel cables is compromised by heavy traffic loads.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.