strength|en ◆◇◇ /stre ŋθ ə n/ (strengthens , strengthening , strengthened )
1 VERB If something strengthens a person or group or if they strengthen their position, they become more powerful and secure, or more likely to succeed. □ [V n] The new constitution strengthens the government. □ [V n] He hoped to strengthen the position of the sciences in the leading universities.
2 VERB If something strengthens a case or argument, it supports it by providing more reasons or evidence for it. □ [V n] He does not seem to be familiar with research which might have strengthened his own arguments.
3 VERB If a currency, economy, or industry strengthens , or if something strengthens it, it increases in value or becomes more successful. □ [V ] The dollar strengthened against most other currencies. □ [V n] The Government should start by strengthening the economy.
4 VERB If a government strengthens laws or measures or if they strengthen , they are made more severe. □ [V n] I am also looking urgently at how we can strengthen the law. □ [V n] Community leaders want to strengthen controls at external frontiers. □ [V ] Because of the war, security procedures have strengthened.
5 VERB If something strengthens you or strengthens your resolve or character, it makes you more confident and determined. □ [V n] Any experience can teach and strengthen you, but particularly the more difficult ones. □ [V n] This merely strengthens our resolve to win the league.
6 VERB If something strengthens a relationship or link, or if a relationship or link strengthens , it makes it closer and more likely to last for a long time. □ [V n] His visit is intended to strengthen ties between the two countries. □ [V ] In a strange way, his affair caused our relationship to strengthen.
7 VERB If something strengthens an impression, feeling, or belief, or if it strengthens , it becomes greater or affects more people. □ [V n] His speech strengthens the impression he is the main power in the organization. □ [V n] Every day of sunshine strengthens the feelings of optimism. □ [V ] Amy's own Republican sympathies strengthened as the days passed.
8 VERB If something strengthens your body or a part of your body, it makes it healthier, often in such a way that you can move or carry heavier things. □ [V n] Cycling is good exercise. It strengthens all the muscles of the body.
9 VERB If something strengthens an object or structure, it makes it able to be treated roughly or able to support heavy weights, without being damaged or destroyed. □ [V n] The builders will have to strengthen the existing joists with additional timber.
strenu|ous /stre njuəs/ ADJ A strenuous activity or action involves a lot of energy or effort. □ Avoid strenuous exercise in the evening. □ Strenuous efforts had been made to improve conditions in the jail.
stress ◆◆◇ /stre s/ (stresses , stressing , stressed )
1 VERB If you stress a point in a discussion, you put extra emphasis on it because you think it is important. □ [V that] The spokesman stressed that the measures did not amount to an overall ban. □ [V n] They stress the need for improved employment opportunities. □ [V with quote] 'We're not saying we're outside and above all this,' he stresses. ● N‑VAR Stress is also a noun. □ [+ on ] They laid heavy stress on the need for education.
2 N‑VAR [oft under N ] If you feel under stress , you feel worried and tense because of difficulties in your life. □ Katy could think clearly when not under stress. □ …a wide range of stress-related problems.
3 N‑VAR Stresses are strong physical pressures applied to an object. □ Earthquakes happen when stresses in rock are suddenly released as the rocks fracture.
4 VERB If you stress a word or part of a word when you say it, you put emphasis on it so that it sounds slightly louder. □ [V n] 'Sit down,' she replied, stressing each word. ● N‑VAR Stress is also a noun. □ …the misplaced stress on the first syllable of this last word.
stressed /stre st/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are stressed , you feel tense and anxious because of difficulties in your life. □ Work out what situations or people make you feel stressed and avoid them.
2 ADJ If a word or part of a word is stressed , it is pronounced with emphasis.
stre ssed ou t ADJ If someone is stressed out , they are very tense and anxious because of difficulties in their lives. [INFORMAL ]
stress|ful /stre sfʊl/ ADJ If a situation or experience is stressful , it causes the person involved to feel stress. □ I think I've got one of the most stressful jobs there is.
stretch ◆◇◇ /stre tʃ/ (stretches , stretching , stretched )
1 VERB [no cont] Something that stretches over an area or distance covers or exists in the whole of that area or distance. □ [V prep/adv] The procession stretched for several miles. □ [V n] …an artificial reef stretching the length of the coast.
2 N‑COUNT A stretch of road, water, or land is a length or area of it. □ [+ of ] It's a very dangerous stretch of road.
3 VERB When you stretch , you put your arms or legs out straight and tighten your muscles. □ [V ] He yawned and stretched. □ [V n] Try stretching your legs and pulling your toes upwards. □ [V n] She arched her back and stretched herself. ● N‑COUNT Stretch is also a noun. □ At the end of a workout spend time cooling down with some slow stretches. ● stretch|ing N‑UNCOUNT □ Make sure no awkward stretching is required.