n.
Pronunciation: ' strech
Function: 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 \ ˌ stre-ch ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– stretch · able \ ' stre-ch ə -b ə l \ adjective
– stretchy \ -ch ē \ adjective
– stretch a point : to go beyond what is strictly warranted in making a claim or concession
– stretch one's legs
1 : to extend the legs
2 : to take a walk in order to relieve stiffness caused by prolonged sitting