noun

stress

pressure, tension, emphasis, accent

I'm under a lot of stress at work.

I'm under a lot of stress at work.

The stress is on the first syllable.

The stress is on the first syllable.

The bridge collapsed under the stress of the weight.

The bridge collapsed under the stress of the weight.

((under)) stress to be experiencing pressure. I'm under a lot of stress at work.

((the)) stress ((is on sth.)) to show emphasis. The stress is on the first syllable.

Synonyms: pressure, strain, tension; Antonyms: relaxation, relief

From Old French 'estrece' (narrowness, oppression), from Latin 'stringere' (to draw tight).

Imagine a string being pulled tight - that's stress. It can be mental (pressure) or physical (force).

This page is designed for learning support. Please use it as a learning reference, not as a formal reference.