strain

Universal Words noun, verb noun worry / anxiety 1 [U,C] pressure on sb/sth because they have too much to do or manage, or sth very difficult to deal with; the problems, worry or anxiety that this produces: Their marriage is under great strain at the moment. * These repayments are putting a strain on our finances. * Relax, and let us take the strain (= do things for you). * The transport service cannot cope with the strain of so many additional passengers. * You will learn to cope with the stresses and strains of public life. * I found it a strain having to concentrate for so long. * There are strains in the relationship between the two countries. physical pressure 2 [U,C] the pressure that is put on sth when a physical force stretches, pushes, or pulls it: The rope broke under the strain. * You should try not to place too much strain on muscles and joints. * The ground here cannot take the strain of a large building. * The cable has a 140kg breaking strain (= it will break when it is stretched or pulled by a force greater than this). injury 3 [C,U] an injury to a part of your body, such as a muscle, that is caused by using it too much or by twisting it: a calf / groin / leg strain * muscle strain type of plant / animal / disease 4 [C] a particular type of plant or animal, or of a disease caused by bacteria, etc: a new strain of mosquitoes resistant to the poison * This is only one of the many strains of the disease. in sb's character 5 [C,usually sing.] a particular tendency in the character of a person or group, or a quality in their manner SYNSTREAK: He had a definite strain of snobbery in him. of music 6 [C,usually pl.] (formal) the sound of music being played or sung: She could hear the strains of Mozart through the window. verb injure 1 [VN] to injure yourself or part of your body by making it work too hard: to strain a muscle * You'll strain your back carrying those heavy suitcases. make effort 2 ~ (sth) (for sth)