B2nounhealthpsychology
US/streɪn/
UK/streɪn/
worry or pressure caused by a difficult situation; also an injury from stretching a muscle too much
In context
Looking after a sick parent can put a lot of strain on a family.
Working at a screen all day causes eye strain.
He has been under a lot of strain since he lost his job.
Words that go with strain
noun + preposition
- under strainThe hospitals are under strain this winter.
verb + noun
- put a strain onThe extra work put a strain on the team.
noun + noun
- eye strainTake breaks to avoid eye strain.
- muscle strainIt's only a muscle strain, not a break.
adjective + noun
- financial strainThe new house caused financial strain.