Strain Meaning
Strain Definition & Usage
A physical or mental pressure or stress that results from exertion or tension.
Examples
- "The strain of lifting heavy boxes caused him to injure his back."
- "She felt the strain of juggling both work and her personal life."
- "The strain on the old bridge was too much, and it eventually collapsed."
- "His muscles were sore from the strain of running a marathon."
- "The strain in her voice was evident as she spoke about the difficult situation."
A particular type, variety, or version of something, especially within species or categories.
Examples
- "The scientist discovered a new strain of the virus that was more contagious."
- "They are studying a strain of bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics."
- "This grape strain produces a unique type of wine with distinct flavors."
- "A new strain of flu has been reported in several countries."
- "The plant was affected by a strain of fungus that hindered its growth."
To pull, twist, or stretch something to the point of tension or damage.
Examples
- "He strained his shoulder while trying to lift the heavy box."
- "The rope was strained to its breaking point."
- "She strained her eyes from reading for too long in dim light."
- "The athlete strained his hamstring during the sprint."
- "They strained their resources by buying unnecessary equipment."
Cultural Context
The word 'strain' has been in use since the 14th century and originally referred to the act of stretching or tightening something. Over time, its usage expanded to encompass emotional, physical, and biological stress or tension. In modern language, 'strain' is commonly used in both everyday and technical contexts, from health (such as muscle strain) to biology (new strains of bacteria or viruses).
The Strain of the Challenge
Story
The Strain of the Challenge
Alex had always prided himself on his physical strength. He worked out regularly and was confident in his ability to take on any challenge. But when he was asked to carry a massive set of weights for an upcoming competition, he realized he was pushing himself too far. The day of the event arrived, and as Alex lifted the first weight, he could feel the strain in his muscles. His biceps burned with the effort, but he was determined to push through. As he reached for a heavier load, he felt something snap in his shoulder—a sharp pain that made him stagger. He had strained his shoulder. He tried to carry on, but the strain was too much. Back at the gym, Alex was faced with a new challenge: recovering from the strain. His doctor explained how such an injury could be a setback if he didn’t rest. Meanwhile, his teammates discussed a new strain of muscle injury that they had seen from overtraining. Alex’s story didn’t end there. After resting and recovering, he returned to the gym, stronger and more careful with his training. He had learned that there’s a limit to how much strain the body can handle. But his story wasn’t just about physical strain. He realized he had been feeling the strain of his career, too. Balancing work and training had been difficult, and he realized he needed to make adjustments in his life to avoid burning out. Alex started to appreciate the importance of rest, recovery, and not overloading himself—both physically and mentally.
Related Words
