The action of stressing someone or something; (from the early 20th cent.) esp. the emphasizing of a fact, opinion, etc.

The action or an act of stretching, straining, or reaching over a person or thing; the extent of this. Also in extended use.

Strenuous exertion or effort; an instance of this. Obsolete (Scottish in later use).

Excessive exertion of the voice, lungs, eyes, etc.

Extent of wresting; hence, reach of capacity; stretch, strain. rare.

The action of straining something too much, or (Materials Science) beyond its yield point; excessive effort; an instance of this.

Extreme or excessive effort; a straining at or after some object of attainment; †laboured or affected diction or thought.

An act of overstraining; the fact of being overstrained; excessive strain; stress or tiredness caused by overexertion.

Excessive exertion; exertion beyond one's strength or capacity. Also: an instance of this.

The action or practice of taxing excessively; an instance of this.