strain
UK: streɪn | US: streɪn
n. a force tending to pull or stretch something
n. a severe or excessive demand on strength or resources
vt. to force oneself to make a strenuous effort
vi. to pour a liquid through a filter to separate solids
The word "strain" traces back to Latin stringere, meaning "to bind or draw tight." Over time, it evolved through Old French estreindre (to press, constrain) into Middle English strainen, retaining the core idea of tension or exertion. The modern senses—physical force, mental stress, and filtering—all stem from this original notion of tightening or pressing.
The rope snapped under the strain of the heavy load.
Long hours of work put a strain on her health.
He strained his voice by shouting too much.
She strained the pasta before adding the sauce.
The athlete strained to lift the weight but succeeded.