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straining

/ˈstreɪnɪŋ/
adjective
  1. Requiring a lot of effort or causing stress.
    • The straining climb up the mountain left everyone exhausted.
    • The straining relationship between the two countries finally led to a peace talk.
    • She found the straining work of caring for three young children very tiring.
verb
  1. To stretch or pull something tightly, or to become stretched or pulled tightly.
    • She strained her back lifting the heavy box without bending her knees.
    • The rope was straining under the weight of the hanging sign.
    • The dog was straining at its leash, trying to chase the squirrel.
  2. To try very hard to do something, using a lot of physical or mental effort.
    • He was straining to hear the quiet conversation across the room.
    • She strained to remember the name of the actor in the old movie.
    • The runner was straining every muscle to reach the finish line first.
  3. To separate solid parts from a liquid by pouring through a filter or sieve.
    • He strained the tea leaves from the hot water before serving.
    • After cooking the pasta, she strained it in a colander.
    • The chef strained the broth to remove the bones and vegetables.
  4. To put too much pressure on something, causing damage or stress.
    • The constant arguing strained their friendship to the breaking point.
    • Carrying such a heavy load will strain the old wooden shelf.
    • Working long hours without breaks can strain your eyes.
Synonyms
stretchingpullingstruggling
Antonyms
relaxingloosening
noun
  1. The act of stretching or pulling something tightly, or the state of being stretched tightly.
    • You can hear the straining of the old ropes as the ship rocks.
    • The straining of the cables kept the bridge stable in the wind.
    • The constant straining of the fabric caused it to tear at the seams.
  2. The act of trying very hard, especially physically or mentally.
    • Mental straining without breaks can lead to headaches and fatigue.
    • The straining of the athletes during the race was visible on their faces.
    • After hours of straining, he finally solved the difficult puzzle.
  3. The process of separating solids from a liquid by filtering.
    • The straining of the soup removed all the vegetable chunks.
    • The straining of the coffee grounds takes only a few seconds.
    • Proper straining of the yogurt gives it a thicker texture.