Stress

English Meaning

Distress.

1. Importance, significance, or emphasis placed on something. See Synonyms at emphasis.
2. Linguistics The relative force with which a sound or syllable is spoken.
3. Linguistics The emphasis placed on the sound or syllable spoken most forcefully in a word or phrase.
4. The relative force of sound or emphasis given a syllable or word in accordance with a metrical pattern.
5. A syllable having strong relative emphasis in a metrical pattern.
6. Accent or a mark representing such emphasis or force.
7. Physics An applied force or system of forces that tends to strain or deform a body.
8. Physics The internal resistance of a body to such an applied force or system of forces.
9. A mentally or emotionally disruptive or upsetting condition occurring in response to adverse external influences and capable of affecting physical health, usually characterized by increased heart rate, a rise in blood pressure, muscular tension, irritability, and depression.
10. A stimulus or circumstance causing such a condition.
11. A state of extreme difficulty, pressure, or strain: "He presided over the economy during the period of its greatest stress and danger” ( Robert J. Samuelson).
12. To place emphasis on: stressed basic fire safety.
13. To give prominence to (a syllable or word) in pronouncing or in accordance with a metrical pattern.
14. To subject to physical or mental pressure, tension, or strain.
15. To subject to mechanical pressure or force.
16. To construct so as to withstand a specified stress.
17. stress out Informal To subject to or undergo extreme stress, as from working too much.