a force tending to change the shape or size of an object
example
The metal bar showed signs of strain when too much weight was added to it.
synonyms
stresstensionpressure
word origin — Middle English 'strein', from Old French 'estrain' (to stretch), from Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight)
strain, exacerbate, curb, turmoil, cripple: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Advanced Plus set 18. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
strain · noun/streɪn/
a force tending to change the shape or size of an object
The metal bar showed signs of strain when too much weight was added to it.
Synonyms: stress, tension, pressure
Origin: Middle English 'strein', from Old French 'estrain' (to stretch), from Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight)
exacerbate · verb/ɪɡˈzæs.ɚ.beɪt/
to make a problem, situation, or feeling worse
The loud music will exacerbate my headache.
Synonyms: aggravate, worsen, intensify
Origin: From Latin 'exacerbat-', the past participle of 'exacerbare', meaning to irritate or make harsh.
curb · noun/kɜrb/
a limit or control on something
The city put a curb on loud music after 10 PM to help people sleep.
Synonyms: limit, restriction, control
Origin: from Old French 'curbe', meaning 'to bend', originating from Latin 'curvatura', meaning 'a bending'
turmoil · noun/tɜrˈmɔɪl/
a state of confusion, disorder, or uncertainty
The country was in a state of turmoil after the sudden change in government.
Synonyms: confusion, disorder, chaos
Origin: origin uncertain; recorded in English from the early modern period
cripple · verb/ˈkrɪp.əl/
to severely damage or weaken someone or something
A prolonged cyberattack could cripple the company's payment system.
Synonyms: disable, incapacitate, paralyze
Origin: Middle English 'cripplen' from Old English 'cryppian', meaning 'to creep or limp'