STRAIN

(PRESSURE) [noun] [U] - a force or influence that stretches, pulls or puts pressure on something, sometimes causing damage , or (figurative) something which pushes someone or something to its outer limits, often causing problems, anxiety or painThe hurricane put such a strain on the bridge that it collapsed.Wires are put in to reduce the strain on the protruding beam.If you bend your legs when you're lifting heavy things, it lessens the risk of back strain.As you get older, excess weight puts a lot of strain on the heart.Their constant arguments were putting a strain on their marriage.See also eyestrain.A strain is an injury to a part of the body.He was taken off the field suffering from a groin/hamstring strain. [C]The recent decline in the dollar has put a bigger strain on the economic system. [U]Migration into the cities is putting a strain on already stretched resources. [U](figurative) With his divorce and his problems at work, he's been under a lot of strain recently. [U](figurative) The strain of being polite all day to someone I detest is unbearable. [U](figurative) We have rather an uneasy relationship and I found it quite a strain having her to stay with us. [U](figurative) She's a lot better than she was but she's still not ready to face the stresses and strains of a job. [C]