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.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
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
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“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.”
“Financial stress keeps him awake at night.”
📚Related Words
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