stress

 
Pronunciation: /strɛs/

noun

[mass noun]
  • 1pressure or tension exerted on a material object: the distribution of stress is uniform across the bar
  • the degree of stress measured in units of force per unit area.
  • 2a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances: he’s obviously under a lot of stress [in combination]: stress-related illnesses
  • [count noun] something that causes a state of strain or tension: the stresses and strains of public life
  • 3particular emphasis or importance: he has started to lay greater stress on the government’s role in industry
  • emphasis given to a particular syllable or word in speech, typically through a combination of relatively greater loudness, higher pitch, and longer duration: normally, the stress falls on the first syllableSee also primary stress, secondary stress.

verb

  • 1 [reporting verb] give particular emphasis or importance to (a point, statement, or idea) made in speech or writing: [with object]: they stressed the need for reform [with clause]: she was anxious to stress that her daughter’s safety was her only concern [with direct speech]: ‘I want it done very, very neatly,’ she stressed
  • [with object] give emphasis to (a syllable or word) when pronouncing it: in French, the last syllable is usually stressed
  • 2 [with object] subject to pressure or tension: this type of workout does stress the shoulder and knee joints
  • 3 [with object] cause mental or emotional strain or tension in: I avoid many of the things that used to stress me before (as adjective stressed) she should see a doctor if she is feeling particularly stressed out
  • [no object] informal become tense or anxious; worry: don’t stress—there’s plenty of time to get a grip on the situation

Derivatives

stressless

adjective

stressor

noun
stress (sense 3 of the verb).

Origin:

Middle English (denoting hardship or force exerted on a person for the purpose of compulsion): shortening of distress, or partly from Old French estresse 'narrowness, oppression', based on Latin strictus 'drawn tight' (see strict)