Stressed
/strest/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo emphasize or give special importance to something.
/stres/
To give particular importance or emphasis to (a point, statement, or idea) in speaking or writing.
The speaker stressed the need for immediate action.
💡 Simply: When you *stress* something, you're making sure everyone knows it's important. Like when a teacher says, 'Make sure you remember this!'
👶 For kids: To talk about something like it is super important.
More Examples
She stressed the importance of following the instructions carefully.
The doctor stressed the importance of regular exercise.
How It's Used
"The professor stressed the importance of critical thinking."
"The manager stressed the deadline for the project."
To subject to pressure or tension.
/stres/
To subject to pressure or strain.
The construction process stressed the budget.
💡 Simply: To put something under pressure or make it tense. Like a rubber band when you pull it hard.
👶 For kids: To make something tight or squeeze it hard.
More Examples
The exam stressed his nerves.
The weight of the problem stressed her mind.
How It's Used
"The bridge's structural integrity was tested by stressing its cables."
"The prolonged economic downturn stressed the population."
Feeling worried and not able to relax.
/strest/
Experiencing mental or emotional strain or tension.
I'm feeling stressed about the deadline.
💡 Simply: Feeling worried, anxious, or tense. Like when you have too many things to do and feel overwhelmed.
👶 For kids: Feeling worried or upset because something is hard or not fun.
More Examples
She looked stressed after a long day at work.
He was stressed and needed a vacation.
How It's Used
"She was feeling stressed before the exam."
"He seemed stressed about the upcoming project."
Synonyms
Emphasize
Highlight
Burden
Pressure
Strain
Anxious
Overwhelmed
Idioms & expressions
stress out
To make someone feel very worried and anxious.
"The exam is really stressing me out."
From Middle English *stresse*, from Old French *estrece* (“distress, constraint”), from Latin *stringere* (“to draw tight, bind”).
Historically, the word 'stress' was used in mechanical contexts before gaining common usage for emotional states.
Memory tip
Think of highlighting a word in bold – you're stressing it!