to strain

Examples

• All

• Without the computers to run the hydros, he was having to strain at the controls.

  Fiction book (1991)

• The entire point of this test was just to really strain the system and run at an unplayable frame rate.

• And many programs would strain the machine resources.

• Because now you don't have to strain yourself.

• I turned the dials for as long as it took, straining to hear her voice, however faint.

  Fiction book (1990)

• He says that in order to merely to preserve our existence, we have to strain mind and body to the utmost.

  Gregory B. Sadler - That Philosophy Guy

• The influx of this substantial number of migrant workers strained housing and job markets in both countries.

  Academic text (2000)

• Roland felt solenoids try to throw the lever back, but he strained, holding it in place.

  Fiction book (1990)

• To win the championship, the players had to strain themselves during every practice game.

• I had to strain to lift the heavy box onto the shelf.

Synonyms

S

to strive

vsto strain

156 3.7

To work very hard to reach a goal

places more emphasis on intense, often maximal, exertion or full use

E

to exert

vsto strain

33 4.1

Make a strong physical or mental effort

leans more toward effort that reaches or tests full capacity

E

to extend

vsto strain

15 3.5

To use all your energy or skill to try to do something

is about strong effort and may also mean vigorous use of things

P

to push to the limit

vsto strain

7 5.1

Make a person or thing work as hard as possible until they cannot keep going

is similar but also stresses vigorous use of objects or self to limits

P

to push oneself harder

vsto strain

4 3.5

Try much harder to work or train

often means very strong exertion that can use capacity or things to the limit

P

to push it to the limit

vsto strain

• Informal

1 7.2

Use all your energy and take big risks to test your skill

focuses more on intense exertion and using capacity rather than risk taking

E

to extend oneself

vsto strain

1 6.9

To make a big effort beyond your usual limits

can also mean pushing objects or capacity to their limit rather than just extra effort

S

to strain every nerve

vsto strain

• Informal

1 7.2

Try as hard as possible to do something

is strong effort but also can mean using capacity or things to their limit

Antonyms

R

to relax

∞ 1.0

To feel less nervous and more calm

R

to rest

816 1.0

To stop activity to relax or sleep and get energy back

Idioms

S

to strain every nerve

• Informal

1 7.2

Try as hard as possible to do something

S

to strain at a gnat

• Informal

9.9

To focus too much on small details and ignore bigger problems

S

to strain at the leash

• Informal

7.1

To want to start doing something very eagerly while being held back

Compounds

V

virulent strain

• Specialized

2 6.5

A very strong germ that spreads easily and makes people very sick

E

eye strain

1 3.2

Eyes that feel tired or sore after looking at screens for too long

M

mental strain

1 5.1

A feeling of worry and tiredness after thinking for a long time

N

nervous strain

1 5.8

A feeling of being very nervous and tired after a long time of stress

S

strain gage

• Specialized

6.1

A tool that measures how much a material changes shape when pushed or pulled

S

strain gauge

• Specialized

6.3

A small object that measures how much a surface stretches or bends

S

strain in someone's back

4.0

A pain in the back muscles that comes after lifting or sudden movement

How Hard

to overexert oneself

3 7.2

to strain

87 4.2

to exert

33 4.1

work

∞ 1.0

to try

∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

Etymology