stress stress /ˈstrɛs/

noun

1. () The relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)  ( accent , emphasis , stress )
   the relative prominence of a syllable or musical note (especially with regard to stress or pitch)
    He put the stress on the wrong syllable
   he put the stress on the wrong syllable
   
2. () (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense  ( tenseness , stress , tension )
   (psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
    He suffered from fatigue and emotional tension
   he suffered from fatigue and emotional tension
    Stress is a vasoconstrictor
   stress is a vasoconstrictor
   
   
3. () Special emphasis attached to something  ( focus , stress )
   special emphasis attached to something
    The stress was more on accuracy than on speed
   the stress was more on accuracy than on speed
   
4. () (physics) force that produces strain on a physical body  ( stress )
   (physics) force that produces strain on a physical body
    The intensity of stress is expressed in units of force divided by units of area
   the intensity of stress is expressed in units of force divided by units of area
   
5. () Difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension  ( stress , strain )
   difficulty that causes worry or emotional tension
    She endured the stresses and strains of life
   she endured the stresses and strains of life
    He presided over the economy during the period of the greatest stress and danger
   he presided over the economy during the period of the greatest stress and danger
   

verb

1. () To stress, single out as important  ( accent , emphasise , punctuate , accentuate , emphasize , stress )
   to stress, single out as important
    Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
   Dr. Jones emphasizes exercise in addition to a change in diet
   
2. () Put stress on; utter with an accent  ( accent , accentuate , stress )
   put stress on; utter with an accent
    In Farsi, you accent the last syllable of each word
   In Farsi, you accent the last syllable of each word
   
3. Test the limits of  ( stress , try , strain )
   test the limits of
    You are trying my patience!
   You are trying my patience!