Strain
/streɪn/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo exert oneself to the utmost; make a strenuous effort.
/streɪn/
The athlete strained every muscle to win the race.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to open a super tight jar. You're straining! You're pushing your muscles really hard.
👶 For kids: Trying really, really hard to do something.
More Examples
He strained his eyes to see the small print.
She strained to hear what they were saying.
How It's Used
"He strained to lift the heavy box."
"She strained to remember his name."
To injure or damage (a muscle or part of the body) by overexertion or excessive use.
/streɪn/
To cause injury to (a muscle or other part of the body) through overexertion.
She strained her ankle while running.
💡 Simply: Imagine pulling a rubber band too far. It's stretched and might break. That's like straining a muscle!
👶 For kids: When you hurt a part of your body by pulling it too hard.
More Examples
He strained a muscle while exercising.
The doctor warned against straining the injured area.
How It's Used
"He strained his back while lifting the furniture."
"The runner strained a hamstring during the race."
To filter or purify a liquid by passing it through a mesh or similar device to remove solids.
/streɪn/
To pass (a liquid) through a filter to remove unwanted material.
Strain the berries to remove the seeds.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're making juice and you want to get rid of the seeds. You strain it by pouring it through a sieve!
👶 For kids: Using a strainer to take out pieces you don't want in a liquid.
More Examples
The chef strained the sauce to make it smooth.
Strain the tea leaves before serving.
How It's Used
"Strain the pasta water to remove any debris."
"The scientist strained the solution through a filter."
An injury caused by excessive use or exertion of a muscle.
/streɪn/
An injury caused by overexertion of a muscle.
He had a muscle strain after the workout.
💡 Simply: When you pull a muscle and it hurts, that's called a strain!
👶 For kids: When your muscles hurt because you pulled them too hard.
More Examples
The doctor diagnosed a minor strain in her shoulder.
Rest is important for recovery from a strain.
How It's Used
"The athlete suffered a muscle strain."
A situation or condition which causes difficulties or challenges; pressure.
/streɪn/
A demand on someone or something.
The strain of the long hours was affecting his health.
💡 Simply: Imagine feeling super stressed or under pressure. That's a strain on you!
👶 For kids: A hard time or a lot of pressure.
More Examples
There was a great strain on the resources.
The relationship was under a lot of strain.
How It's Used
"The strain of the job was beginning to show."
"The financial strain of the project was immense."
A particular type or variety of a plant, animal, or microorganism; a distinct race or breed.
/streɪn/
A particular breed or type of animal or plant.
Researchers are studying the new strain of bacteria.
💡 Simply: Imagine there are different kinds of dogs, like a Golden Retriever or a Bulldog. Each kind is like a different strain!
👶 For kids: A special kind or type of plant or animal.
More Examples
The farmer developed a new strain of disease-resistant corn.
A new strain of flu virus has emerged.
How It's Used
"Scientists isolated a new strain of the virus."
"The farmer developed a new strain of wheat."
Synonyms
Endeavor
Exert
Labor
Injure
Filter
Purify
Refine
Sieve
Sift
Injury
Pull
Burden
Demand
Pressure
Breed
Kind
Race
Antonyms
Ease
Relax
Heal
Recover
Combine
Mix
Pour
Healing
Recovery
Comfort
Relief
Idioms & expressions
strain at the leash
To be impatient or eager to do something.
"The horses were straining at the leash to get to the starting line."
under strain
Experiencing pressure or difficulty.
"The economy is under strain during the recession."
From Old French estreindre, meaning 'to tighten, press, or squeeze,' from Latin stringere, 'to draw tight, bind.'
The word 'strain' has been used since the late 13th century in reference to 'a drawing tight, binding.' Its meaning evolved to include physical exertion and pressure.