stretchstretch1 /strɛtʃ/ ●●● S2 W3 verb 1
MAKE something BIGGER/LOOSER [intransitive, transitive] to make something bigger or looser by pulling it, or to become bigger or looser in this way: The rope stretched and then broke. What’s the best way to stretch shoes?2BODY [intransitive, transitive] to bring your arms, legs, or body to full length: Carl sat up in bed and stretched. She stretched her arms and yawned.stretch across/over etc. Ann stretched across and grabbed the phone.3CHANGE SHAPE [intransitive not in progressive] if material stretches, it can become bigger or longer when you pull it and then return to its original shape when you stop4IN SPACE [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to spread out or cover a large area SYN stretch out: stretch to/into/away etc. A line of people stretched around the block.5TIME/SERIES [intransitive always + adv./prep., transitive] to continue over a period of time or in a series, or make something do this: stretch into/on/over etc. The research program stretched over several years.stretch something to something They have stretched their winning streak to 11 games.6MAKE something TIGHT [transitive] to pull something so that it is tight: The canvas is stretched over a wooden frame.7MAKE something LAST [intransitive, transitive] if you stretch an amount of money, food, etc. or you make it stretch, you make it last for a longer time than it usually would by using it carefully: I’m going to have to stretch this $60 until payday.8BE ENOUGH [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to be enough to buy something: I knew Grandma’s money would only stretch so far.9ABILITIES [transitive] to make someone use all of his or her skill, abilities, or intelligence: I want a job that stretches me.10stretch somebody/something to the limit (also stretch somebody/something to the breaking point) to push someone or something beyond a point that is reasonable by asking for too much, using too much, etc.: Working families are already stretched to the limit.11be stretching it informal to say something that makes something seem more important, bigger, etc. than it really is: Calling him a “world class” athlete is stretching it.12stretch the truth/facts to say or write something that is not completely true: Reporters sometimes stretch the facts to catch a reader’s eye.13stretch your legs informal to go for a walk, especially after sitting for a long time14stretch (somebody’s) credulity/patience etc. to be almost beyond the limits of what someone can believe, accept, etc.: Her theories about reincarnation stretch credulity.15stretch a/the point to say something that makes something seem more important, bigger, worse, etc. than it really is[Origin: Old English streccan]—stretchable adjectivestretch out phrasal verb1be stretched out to be lying with your body and legs straight in order to relax: The dog was stretched out in front of the fire.2LIE DOWN informal to lie down, usually in order to sleep or rest: I just want to stretch out for a few minutes.3HAND/FOOT stretch something ↔ out to put out your hand, foot, etc. in order to reach something: Jimmy stretched out his hand to take the candy.4CLOTHING stretch something ↔ out if you stretch out a piece of clothing, or it it stretches out, it becomes bigger or looser by being worn or pulled: No, you can’t wear my sweater – you’d stretch it out.5IN SPACE to spread out or cover a large area6IN TIME stretch something ↔ out to make something last for longer than is usual or expected
MAKE something BIGGER/LOOSER [intransitive, transitive] to make something bigger or looser by pulling it, or to become bigger or looser in this way: The rope stretched and then broke. What’s the best way to stretch shoes?2BODY [intransitive, transitive] to bring your arms, legs, or body to full length: Carl sat up in bed and stretched. She stretched her arms and yawned.stretch across/over etc. Ann stretched across and grabbed the phone.3CHANGE SHAPE [intransitive not in progressive] if material stretches, it can become bigger or longer when you pull it and then return to its original shape when you stop4IN SPACE [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to spread out or cover a large area SYN stretch out: stretch to/into/away etc. A line of people stretched around the block.5TIME/SERIES [intransitive always + adv./prep., transitive] to continue over a period of time or in a series, or make something do this: stretch into/on/over etc. The research program stretched over several years.stretch something to something They have stretched their winning streak to 11 games.6MAKE something TIGHT [transitive] to pull something so that it is tight: The canvas is stretched over a wooden frame.7MAKE something LAST [intransitive, transitive] if you stretch an amount of money, food, etc. or you make it stretch, you make it last for a longer time than it usually would by using it carefully: I’m going to have to stretch this $60 until payday.8BE ENOUGH [intransitive always + adv./prep.] to be enough to buy something: I knew Grandma’s money would only stretch so far.9ABILITIES [transitive] to make someone use all of his or her skill, abilities, or intelligence: I want a job that stretches me.10stretch somebody/something to the limit (also stretch somebody/something to the breaking point) to push someone or something beyond a point that is reasonable by asking for too much, using too much, etc.: Working families are already stretched to the limit.11be stretching it informal to say something that makes something seem more important, bigger, etc. than it really is: Calling him a “world class” athlete is stretching it.12stretch the truth/facts to say or write something that is not completely true: Reporters sometimes stretch the facts to catch a reader’s eye.13stretch your legs informal to go for a walk, especially after sitting for a long time14stretch (somebody’s) credulity/patience etc. to be almost beyond the limits of what someone can believe, accept, etc.: Her theories about reincarnation stretch credulity.15stretch a/the point to say something that makes something seem more important, bigger, worse, etc. than it really is[Origin: Old English streccan]—stretchable adjectivestretch out phrasal verb1be stretched out to be lying with your body and legs straight in order to relax: The dog was stretched out in front of the fire.2LIE DOWN informal to lie down, usually in order to sleep or rest: I just want to stretch out for a few minutes.3HAND/FOOT stretch something ↔ out to put out your hand, foot, etc. in order to reach something: Jimmy stretched out his hand to take the candy.4CLOTHING stretch something ↔ out if you stretch out a piece of clothing, or it it stretches out, it becomes bigger or looser by being worn or pulled: No, you can’t wear my sweater – you’d stretch it out.5IN SPACE to spread out or cover a large area6IN TIME stretch something ↔ out to make something last for longer than is usual or expected