n. 25B6; verb
take care that you don't strain yourself : OVERTAX, overwork, overextend, overreach, drive too far, overdo it; exhaust, wear out; informal knacker, knock oneself out.
you have strained a muscle : INJURE, damage, pull, wrench, twist, sprain.
we strained to haul the guns up the slope : STRUGGLE, labour, toil, make every effort, try very hard, break one's back, push/drive oneself to the limit; informal pull out all the stops, go all out, bust a gut; Austral. informal go for the doctor.
the flood of refugees is straining the relief services : MAKE EXCESSIVE DEMANDS ON, overtax, be too much for, test, tax, put a strain on.
the bear strained at the chain : PULL, tug, heave, haul, jerk; informal yank.
(archaic) she strained the infant to her bosom : CLASP, press, clutch, hold tight; embrace, hug, enfold, envelop.
strain the mixture : SIEVE, sift, filter, screen, riddle; rare filtrate.
25B6; noun
the rope snapped under the strain : TENSION, tightness, tautness.
muscle strain : INJURY, sprain, wrench, twist.
the strain of her job : PRESSURE, demands, burdens; stress; informal hassle.
Melissa was showing signs of strain : STRESS, (nervous) tension; exhaustion, fatigue, pressure of work, overwork.
the strains of Brahms's lullaby : SOUND, music; melody, tune.