Strain
/streɪn/
nounverbB2
Definition
As a noun, strain refers to pressure or tension that can cause stress or damage to a person, object, or system. It also means a kind or type of something, especially a living thing like a plant or bacteria. As a verb, strain means to stretch or pull something tightly, or to make a great effort that can cause tiredness or injury.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Pressure or tension that can cause stress or injury
- •He felt a strain in his back after lifting the heavy box.
- •The strain of working long hours affected her health.
- •The bridge showed signs of strain during the storm.
A kind or type of living thing (like bacteria or plants)
- •This strain of flu spreads very quickly.
- •Scientists discovered a new strain of bacteria.
- •The garden has a special strain of roses.
To stretch or pull tightly; to make a great effort (verb)
- •She strained her eyes trying to see in the dark.
- •He strained to lift the heavy suitcase.
- •Don’t strain your voice by shouting too much.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "strain" like "pull" (A1 word), but stronger and often causing stress or difficulty
- ✓Picture a rubber band stretched very tight until it almost breaks—that is strain on the rubber band
- ✓It's the feeling when your muscles hurt after lifting something heavy or working too hard
- ✓Sounds like "strain" → imagine someone trying to "strain" to lift a heavy box, their face tight and muscles tense
- ✓Think of stories where a bridge or rope is under strain from too much weight and might break
- ✓NOT like "relax" (no tension); strain means tension or pressure that can be bad if too much
- ✓NOT like "break" (already broken), strain is the pressure before something breaks or fails
- ✓As a type or kind (strain of virus), think of "strain" like "type" but used for living things or diseases
Try Other Words
- •Pressure: force or weight on something (Use when focusing on physical force without emotional or health effects)
- •Tension: tightness or stretching force (Use when emphasizing tightness or pulling)
- •Type: a kind or category (Use when "strain" means a kind of something living)
- •Effort: a strong physical or mental attempt (Use when "strain" means trying hard)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no prefix or suffix, root word "strain")
- •Etymology: From Old French "estraindre" meaning to bind or draw tight, from Latin "stringere" meaning to tighten or bind
- •Historical development: Originally meant to tighten or draw tight; later extended to mean pressure, tension, or effort
- •Modern usage: Used to describe physical or mental pressure, types of organisms, and the act of stretching or making effort
Reflect & Connect
•When do you feel strain in your daily life? Can you describe physical versus mental strain?
•How can understanding different strains of bacteria or viruses help us stay healthy?
Fill in the blanks
1.After lifting the heavy box, he felt a ___ in his back that made moving difficult.
2.The constant ___ of work without rest can lead to tiredness and illness.
3.To see the small letters, she had to ___ her eyes very hard.
4.A new ___ of the virus appeared, spreading faster than before.
5.The rope was under so much ___ that it looked like it might break.
6.You should avoid ___ your muscles by lifting weights that are too heavy.
7.The doctor explained that this ___ of bacteria is resistant to some medicines.