I. ˈstrech verb
Etymology: Middle English strecchen, from Old English streccan; akin to Old High German strecchan to stretch, Old English stræc firm, severe
Date: before 12th century
transitive verb
1. : to extend (as one's limbs or body) in a reclining position
2. : to reach out : extend
stretch ed out her arms
3. : to extend in length
stretch ed his neck to see what was going on
4. : to fell with or as if with a blow
5. : to cause the limbs of (a person) to be pulled especially in torture
6. : to draw up (one's body) from a cramped, stooping, or relaxed position
7. : to pull taut
canvas stretch ed on a frame
8.
a. : to enlarge or distend especially by force
b. : to extend or expand as if by physical force
stretch one's mind with a good book
c. : strain
stretch ed his already thin patience
9. : to cause to reach or continue (as from one point to another or across a space)
stretch a wire between two posts
10.
a. : to amplify or enlarge beyond natural or proper limits
the rules can be stretch ed this once
b. : to expand (as by improvisation) to fulfill a larger function
stretch ing a dollar
11. : to extend (a hit) to an extra base usually by fast or daring running
stretch a single into a double
intransitive verb
1.
a. : to become extended in length or breadth or both : spread
broad plains stretch ing to the sea
b. : to extend over a continuous period
the dynasty stretch es back several centuries
2. : to become extended without breaking
3.
a. : to extend one's body or limbs
stretch ed before jogging
wanted to stretch out on the sofa
b. : to lie down at full length
• stretch·abil·i·ty ˌstre-chə-ˈbi-lə-tē noun
• stretch·able ˈstre-chə-bəl adjective
• stretchy -chē adjective
•
- stretch a point
- stretch one's legs
II. noun
Date: 1541
1.
a. : an exercise of something (as the understanding or the imagination) beyond ordinary or normal limits
their conclusion seemed like a bit of a stretch
b. : an extension of the scope or application of something
a stretch of language
2. : the extent to which something may be stretched
3.
a. : the act of stretching : the state of being stretched
a good stretch for legs
b. : the position of a pitcher standing sideways to home plate so as to keep a runner close to a base
pitching from the stretch
4.
a. : an extent in length or area
an open stretch of road
b. : a continuous period of time
can write for eight hours at a stretch
5. : a walk to relieve fatigue
6. : a term of imprisonment
served a 10-year stretch
7.
a. : either of the straight sides of a racecourse ; especially : homestretch
b. : a final stage (as of a contest or season)
won some crucial games down the stretch
8. : the capacity for being stretched : elasticity
a waistband with lots of stretch
9. : a stretch limousine
III. adjective
Date: 1954
1. : easily stretched : elastic
a stretch wig
2. : longer than the standard size
a stretch limousine