1. pressure or tension exerted on a material object
2. a state of tension or exhaustion resulting from severe demands on one’s strength or resources
3. an injury to a muscle or tendon caused by overuse or stretching
Usage: medical

1. to force or make a great effort
2. to injure a muscle or part of the body by overuse or sudden movement
3. to pass liquid through a filter to remove solid particles

Examples

• The rope snapped under the strain of the heavy load.
• Working two jobs put a lot of strain on her health.
• He suffered a muscle strain during the marathon.
• Scientists developed a new strain of wheat that resists disease.
• She had to strain to reach the top shelf.
• I strained my back lifting the heavy box.
• Strain the pasta water through a colander.
• The financial strain of college tuition worried the family.