strainedstrained /streɪnd/ adjective 
I couldn’t stand the strained atmosphere at dinner anymore. the increasingly strained relations between the French and German governments2showing the effects of worry or too much work: Nina’s voice sounded strained. Alex’s pale, strained face
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a strained expression
- After the argument there was a strained silence.
- I couldn't stand the strained atmosphere at dinner anymore.
- Our relationship became very strained because I had refused to lend him money.
- Since my father's affair things have been very strained between him and my mother.
- The strained atmosphere at the dinner made it difficult to chat with people.
- The meeting took place in a strained atmosphere.
- Enemas and suppositories may be of use but habitual use of these can create an unhappy and strained parent-child relationship.
- Its very awkwardness symbolises the strained relationship.
- Lesley-Jane looked strained and peaky and her performance was once again subdued.
- Ruth looked away from Fernando's strained features.
- She had difficulty attending to Mrs Browning's questions and replied in a strained voice.
- Will my hon. Friend look at the matter in light of the present strained position in the jobs market?
Longman Language Activatora situation in which people feel nervous
a tense situation makes people feel nervous and anxious, especially because they are worried about what might happen next or what someone might do: · There was a tense silence, and then everyone began to laugh.· The negotiations became increasingly tense as the weeks went by.· The journey through the mountains went well even though there were a few tense moments when the car skidded.· When someone mentioned Andy's time in prison, the atmosphere grew tense.
a situation that is strained makes people feel nervous, embarrassed, and uncomfortable, and unable to behave naturally: · After the argument there was a strained silence.· Since my father's affair things have been very strained between him and my mother.· The strained atmosphere at the dinner made it difficult to chat with people.
a situation that is uneasy makes people feel a little nervous because they are uncertain about what will happen next or what someone might do: · After the speech there was an uneasy silence and nobody clapped.· Since the two sides declared a ceasefire, there has been an uneasy calm throughout the region.
an unsettling situation makes you feel slightly nervous and unable to relax or concentrate completely: · The weather forecast was unsettling - we had nowhere to go if a really big storm hit.· Greenspan delivered more unsettling news about the economy the next day.
a nailbiting situation is so exciting that it makes you nervous, especially because you are waiting for a result or decision: · Waiting to become a father is one of the most nailbiting situations a man can face.nailbiting finish: · With three minutes left, the World Cup Final is set for a nailbiting finish.
a nerve-wracking situation makes you feel very nervous because it is difficult or frightening: · Your first appearance on stage is always a nerve-wracking experience· Trying to keep track of all those little kids at the same time must be pretty nerve-wracking.
a charged situation or subject makes people feel very nervous and is likely to cause arguments or violence: · Abortion is still a very emotionally charged issue in the U.S.highly charged: · In a highly charged press conference, Armstrong defended his attack on the children.charged atmosphere: · The already charged atmosphere erupted into violence when police told the crowd to disperse.
when relationships are unfriendly · She used to get on well with her neighbours but now things aren't very friendly.· Unfriendly relations between the two countries nearly led to war.on unfriendly terms/not on friendly terms (=with an unfriendly relationship) · They've been on unfriendly terms ever since their argument.
less friendly than usual, so that people do not smile at each other, talk to each other in a friendly way etc: · The cool relationship between the two men affected the entire team.· When Bill finally arrived, nearly an hour late, he got a rather cool reception.
a situation or relationship that is strained is not friendly or relaxed, because people feel worried or do not trust each other: · The meeting took place in a strained atmosphere.· Our relationship became very strained because I had refused to lend him money.
very unfriendly, especially following an argument or because someone feels offended: · After their quarrel, things between Maria and her father were rather frosty.
if a relationship turns sour , the people involved in it start to dislike each other and to behave in an unfriendly way towards each other: · After five years their marriage turned sour and ended in divorce.· When the company began to lose money, things turned sour between the directors.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY I couldn’t stand the strained atmosphere at dinner anymore. the increasingly strained relations between the French and German governmentsCOLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
1a strained situation or behaviour is not relaxed, natural, or friendly SYN tense: I couldn’t stand the strained atmosphere at dinner anymore. the increasingly strained relations between the French and German governments (=not relaxed)· As soon as I went in, I was aware of the tense atmosphere in the room.
I couldn’t stand the strained atmosphere at dinner anymore. the increasingly strained relations between the French and German governments2showing the effects of worry or too much work: Nina’s voice sounded strained. Alex’s pale, strained face