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stress — pressure or tension exerted on a material object; mental or emotional strain

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: pressure or tension exerted on a material object; mental or emotional strain

Pronunciation (IPA): /stres/

Example Sentences

  • My cat gets stress when I vacuum the house.
  • She can't handle the stress of choosing what to wear.
  • The doctor stressed the need for regular exercise.

stress

NOUN

[/stres/]

pressure or tension exerted on a material object; mental or emotional strain

She feels heavy stress as the deadline clock ticks louder behind her.
💡 Concept

She feels heavy stress as the deadline clock ticks louder behind her.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/stres/
🇬🇧 UK/stres/

🌳Etymology

Rootstress

Origin

From Old French 'estresse' meaning hardship or oppression, derived from Latin 'strictus' meaning drawn tight or compressed. The word entered English in the 14th century and was later reinforced by associations with physical strain.

Breakdown

From Old French 'estresse' (hardship) < Latin 'strictus' (drawn tight, compressed) < 'stringere' (to pull tight). Modern sense emphasizes tension—both physical pressure on materials and emotional/mental strain.

🎵Rhyme

bless
mess
press
dress
guess

🔗Collocations

stress level
under stress
stress out
work-related stress
stress management
cause stress

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My cat gets stress when I vacuum the house.”

😄 Fun example

“She can't handle the stress of choosing what to wear.”

“The doctor stressed the need for regular exercise.”

“Financial stress keeps him awake at night.”

📚Related Words

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